Panama EarthquakeEmergency Appeal
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Panama on 9 October, collapsing homes and cutting power and water across six provinces. Families in Herrera, Los Santos, Veraguas and Coclé need help now.
- USGS magnitude
- M7.7
- USGS magnitude
- Shallow depth
- 12.6 km
- Shallow depth
- Aftershocks, up to M6.6
- 40+
- Aftershocks, up to M6.6
- Provinces lost power
- 6
- Provinces lost power
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Choose a one-time amount.
The situation
What happened in Panama
A shallow, powerful quake
At 12:56 p.m. on 9 October, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck about 12 km west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera Province, at a depth of 12.6 km. It was felt from Costa Rica to Colombia, and a tsunami warning was issued for the Pacific coast before being lifted.
Homes and buildings collapsed
Damage is concentrated in Herrera, Los Santos, Veraguas and Coclé. A hotel and several homes collapsed in Tonosí, a multi-storey building fell in Playa Venao, and a church, a hotel and a government building partly collapsed in Penonomé.
Power and water cut off
Electricity went down across six provinces, and several water treatment plants stopped working when the power failed. Tocumen International Airport suspended flights to inspect its facilities.
Families still in danger
Injuries have been reported and damage assessments are still under way. With more than 40 aftershocks so far, many families are afraid to sleep in damaged homes.
Your gift
Where your donation goes
As local authorities and partners confirm what families need most, this appeal will fund the essentials of the first weeks after the quake.
Clean water
Drinking water and purification supplies where treatment plants are down.
Food packs
Ready-to-eat food and staples for families who have left their homes.
Shelter & hygiene
Tarpaulins, blankets and hygiene kits for families sleeping outdoors.
First aid
Medical supplies for the injured in the hardest-hit central provinces.
Tracked as one appeal. Every gift made on this page is recorded under the Panama Earthquake Emergency Appeal, separately from our other campaigns.
Updates as aid arrives.You'll get an email receipt right away, and we'll report here on what your donations delivered.
Stand with Panama today.
The first days after an earthquake matter most. Any amount helps a family get through them.
Donate now