Panama earthquake claims first fatality

A 68-year-old woman, Elena Barría, has become the first official fatality following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Panama on October 9, 2026. Barría, a resident of Macaracas, suffered an abdominal perforation when her home collapsed during the tremor.

While she underwent successful surgery at a regional hospital, she later died from a heart attack. President José Raúl Mulino noted that her pre-existing conditions, including severe diabetes and a previous limb amputation, complicated her recovery despite medical efforts. Her family has alleged negligence, claiming significant delays in receiving initial medical attention after the collapse.

The earthquake has left approximately 30 people injured across the country. Authorities report that over 11,500 people have been directly affected, with more than 2,800 individuals currently residing in temporary shelters.