Panamanian authorities report that the magnitude 7.5 earthquake damaged 419 schools, 21 health centers, and 9 bridges, with assessments ongoing and repairs already beginning. The government plans a phased reconstruction program for public infrastructure and affected homes.
The U.S. Southern Command is working with Panamanian agencies to evaluate the structural condition of the Aquilino Tejeira Hospital in Penonomé, Coclé. The assessment comes as authorities determine the facility’s future safety and functionality.
Panama’s women’s national team friendly against New Zealand scheduled for October 10 at Estadio Rommel Fernández was canceled following a powerful earthquake and aftershocks. Fans await details on ticket refunds and the status of a second planned match.
A midday earthquake on October 9, 2026 shook Panama, prompting authorities to suspend classes and public services while inspection teams assess provinces and aftershocks continue.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, October 9, 2026, causing preliminary infrastructure damage and prompting the suspension of classes and public institution services nationwide.
President José Raúl Mulino has ordered the immediate mobilization of personnel and resources to help those affected by the earthquake that struck Panama on October 9, 2026. He also called on ministries and government institutions to respond to the emergency and strengthen prevention efforts.
Contributors to Panama’s Mixed Pension Subsystem told the National Assembly they could receive up to 50% less than expected, after relying on official information given two decades ago. The warning comes as Panama debates sweeping social security reform.
The Japanese Embassy in Panama made its first visit to the Regional Humanitarian Assistance Logistics Center, exploring cooperation opportunities to strengthen disaster response across Latin America.
Panamanian prosecutors have charged former Social Security Fund director Enrique Lau Cortés with unjust enrichment and money laundering amid conflicting asset-growth estimates. The case now moves through the courts as prosecutors weigh evidence.
A Panama-flagged vessel, On Peace, was hit by a projectile of unknown origin, leaving 12 crew members injured, according to the Panama Maritime Authority. The incident adds to concerns about the safety of Panama’s vast merchant fleet.
Panama’s transit authority (ATTT) is evaluating changes to traffic regulations that would require licenses for riders of electric scooters and electric motorcycles as micromobility grows.
Panama’s Electoral Code reform bill remains stalled awaiting second debate in the National Assembly, with some deputies citing no climate for discussion and the Panameñista caucus demanding it be returned to first debate.
IDAAN has activated preventive interinstitutional coordination to protect Panama’s drinking water supply from potential El Niño effects, aiming to reinforce service continuity nationwide.
Panama’s National Assembly has one month of ordinary sessions left to debate pending bills, including Electoral Code reforms in second debate and an electric energy law reform still in first debate.
Proposed modifications to Panama’s electoral reform bill have sparked internal crises in political parties, leading to resignations by members of parliament as the National Assembly debate continues.
Two fishermen, Caleb Noriel Wilson, 34, and Antuan Bernardo Wilson, 39, have been missing off Bocas del Toro since September 29, with relatives and authorities continuing the search after five days without news.
Panama’s National Customs Authority seized cigarettes, alcohol, and other goods from a Calidonia business after it failed to show legal import documentation, transferring the merchandise to the agency’s headquarters for investigation.
A driver in Calidonia was sanctioned for offering unauthorized public transport after National Operations Center surveillance cameras flagged the vehicle, which was removed by tow truck. The operation underscores Panama’s camera-assisted crackdown on informal taxi services.
A planned community center near 5 de Mayo station in Panama City would invest B/.12 million in a 4,850 m² facility featuring a digital library, coworking space, green areas, and sports facilities.
Panama’s Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca will get its first hospital, to be built in Chichica, Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo announced, alongside a drone program to deliver medicines to remote communities.
