The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement conveying the UAE’s solidarity with the Republic of Panama and its people in the wake of the natural disaster. The ministry extended sincere condolences to families of any victims while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. Panama’s officials confirmed that although the tremor inflicted substantial structural harm across multiple provinces no fatalities had been recorded.
According to the US Geological Survey the earthquake measured 7.7 in magnitude and occurred at a shallow depth of roughly 12 kilometers with its epicenter near the town of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province. The event was felt strongly in Panama City some 200 kilometers away prompting residents to evacuate high-rise buildings and gather in open spaces. An initial assessment by the survey indicated that casualties were possible given the intensity yet updates from local civil protection teams revised the outlook.
Panama’s National Civil Protection System reported damage to homes roads hotels government facilities businesses and churches particularly in Coclé Veraguas and Herrera provinces. At least two individuals suffered injuries after being trapped in collapsed structures one near a church in Veraguas and another in a hotel in Coclé. More than 80 aftershocks including one above magnitude 6.0 continued to rattle the region complicating early response and assessment operations.
The head of emergency operations stated that the Panama Canal continued normal functions while international flights at Tocumen Airport resumed after a brief suspension. Local accounts described panic in urban centers as the initial quake lasted around one minute and prompted widespread evacuations. Authorities indicated they would delay full structural inspections of affected sites until seismic activity diminished.
The UAE has demonstrated a consistent approach to humanitarian support in Latin America following major disasters. After an earthquake struck Colombia in August 2026 resulting in deaths injuries and extensive property loss the UAE Aid Agency allocated 10 million dollars in urgent relief under directives from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan according to the agency. Comparable assistance was directed toward Venezuela after twin earthquakes earlier that year with a similar funding commitment for medical supplies food and shelter equipment.
This expression of solidarity reflects the UAE’s ongoing engagement in international crisis response efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored its sympathy for the affected communities and its readiness to explore further cooperation if requested. Coordination with Panamanian authorities and global partners would help address any evolving needs in the recovery phase.
