Panama Remains Open to Tourists Following Earthquake: Tourism Authority
by Michael Pihach
Panama City. (Unsplash)
Panama remains open to visitors following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday (Oct. 9), triggering more than 200 aftershocks and prompting the government to declare a national state of emergency.
In its latest update, the Panama Tourism Authority confirmed that Panama City, Tocumen International Airport and the Panama Canal remain operational, while most of the country’s tourist destinations continue to welcome visitors.
“The Panama Tourism Authority informs the public that, following the strong earthquake and subsequent aftershocks recorded since October 9, Panama City, the nation’s capital, remains open to tourism and continues its activities,” the authority said in a statement.
The reassurance comes as emergency crews continue assessing damage across central Panama, where hundreds of homes and infrastructure have been affected.
According to emergency authorities, at least 27 people have been injured and nearly 900 homes damaged, although those figures could rise as assessments continue in remote communities.
No fatalities have been reported.
Airport, Canal Operations Continue
For travellers planning trips to Panama, the tourism authority emphasized that the country’s primary international gateway, Tocumen International Airport, remains open and operational.
The airport is working with airlines to accommodate passengers affected by temporary disruptions related to safety protocols implemented following the earthquake.
The Panama Canal, one of the country’s most important economic and tourism landmarks, has also reported no interruption to its regular operations.
Most tourist destinations throughout Panama are operating normally, according to the authority.
However, communities in the country’s interior, particularly those near the earthquake’s epicentre, have experienced structural damage.
Affected areas include Penonomé, Santiago, Tonosí, Torio and Venao, where authorities are working to assess damage and assist residents with recovery efforts.
The tourism authority said it will continue providing updates on recovery efforts and the resumption of tourism activities in affected communities.
National State of Emergency Declared
The Panamanian government declared a national state of emergency over the weekend in response to the earthquake and continuing aftershocks.
According to Reuters, the emergency declaration will allow the government to allocate up to US$100 million in relief funding without exceeding its 2026 fiscal deficit target of 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product.
Classes were suspended nationwide on Monday (Oct. 12) as authorities continued assessing the situation.
The tourism authority credited the country’s building standards and regulatory oversight with helping strengthen its ability to respond to seismic events.
“Strict building codes and oversight by the authorities help strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to seismic events,” the authority said.
“Maintaining and reinforcing these measures forms part of an ongoing commitment to the safety of buildings and the protection of human life.”
The Panama Tourism Authority said the government continues to coordinate its response with local authorities and affected communities.
“Panama is grateful for the expressions of solidarity and confidence it has received and reaffirms its commitment to the safety of residents and visitors,” the authority said.
It added that further updates will be shared as recovery efforts progress.
