According to the statement, the organization expressed hopes for the speedy recovery of those injured.

CELAC extoled the efforts of Panamanian authorities to assist affected communities and expressed the readiness of its member states to provide support for the arduous task ahead, the message added.

In its statement, CELAC noted that in hard times, regional cooperation and coordination are essential to respond to the consequences of such event.

CELAC member states will closely monitor the situation in order to support the government of Panama in any way possible, emphasized the note released in the capital.

The 7.5-magnitude earthquake that shook Panama on October 9, along with the more than 130 aftershocks recorded so far, have tested the infrastructure, emergency systems, and response capacity of the isthmian nation’s authorities.

Preliminary assessments pointed at material damage, particularly in several localities in the country’s central region, with no initial reports of fatalities.

According to preliminary reports, the seismic event—attributed by the Institute of Geosciences to the Azuero-Sona fault system—lasted approximately 40 seconds and was followed by more than a hundred aftershocks through Saturday, some exceeding magnitude 5.0.

Local uthorities are systematically examining strategic infrastructure, including bridges, ports, roads, airports, and facilities linked to the Panama Canal.

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