CARICOM expresses solidarity with Panama after earthquake
Key Points(5)
- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed solidarity with Panama following an earthquake that damaged critical and historic infrastructure, disrupted travel and left residents without shelter.
- In a statement issued Sunday, Oct.
- 11, CARICOM said the regional bloc stood with the Panamanian government and people as they dealt with the effects of the disaster.
- “Panama and CARICOM Member States share a deeply intertwined history that spans many generations of citizens who have contributed to Caribbean development,” the statement said.
- CARICOM acknowledged the destruction and displacement caused by natural disasters, wishing those injured a full and speedy recovery and expressing hope for a swift return to normalcy.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed solidarity with Panama following two powerful earthquakes that damaged homes, critical infrastructure and historic buildings, disrupted travel and left residents without shelter.
In a statement issued Sunday, Oct. 11, CARICOM said it stood with the Panamanian government and people as the country dealt with the effects of the disaster.
The earthquakes struck on Friday, Oct. 9, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.6, according to reports. The tremors triggered evacuations and were followed by hundreds of aftershocks.
Panama’s government declared a state of emergency on Saturday to support recovery efforts. At least 27 people were injured, while nearly 900 homes were damaged, according to Reuters. Damage was also reported at schools, health facilities, hotels, roads and bridges, particularly in the central provinces.
Historic buildings were also affected, including the Church of San Atanasio in the province of Los Santos, which collapsed. Operations at Tocumen International Airport were temporarily suspended following the initial tremor but resumed later that day. The Panama Canal continued operating normally.
“Panama and CARICOM Member States share a deeply intertwined history that spans many generations of citizens who have contributed to Caribbean development,” the regional bloc said.
CARICOM acknowledged the destruction and displacement caused by natural disasters, wishing those injured a full and speedy recovery and expressing hope for a swift return to normalcy.
