U.S. Mobilizes Rapid Response to Panama Earthquake

The Trump Administration swiftly activated an emergency response following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Panama on October 9. At the request of the Panamanian government, the State Department deployed specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) technical teams to assess structural damage and identify immediate assistance needs. Cooperation is being facilitated through the U.S.-Panama Bilateral Security Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Ambassador Kevin Cabrera and State Department officials maintaining close coordination with President José Raúl Mulino and Panamanian authorities during the damage assessment.

Disaster Assistance Response Team and Search and Rescue Experts Mobilized

The State Department established a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to oversee the emergency efforts, including two USAR technical teams comprising 20 experts in assessment, search, and rescue operations. These teams reached Panama within 24 hours of the seismic event and are conducting both aerial and ground-level evaluations alongside local officials. Additionally, the Department authorized Panama’s Air and Naval Service to utilize two INL-supported helicopters for relief operations.

Humanitarian Assistance

The Department has pledged $5 million in aid to support trusted local partners executing relief activities on the ground.

SOUTHCOM Logistical Support

Highlighting the strength of U.S.-Panama security ties, the Department of Defense is providing aerial damage assessments in the Azuero peninsula and Cocle region. These efforts involve joint evaluations with DART personnel, Embassy staff, and Panamanian officials. The State Department is collaborating with SOUTHCOM to evaluate potential needs for further logistical support.

Supporting Americans in Panama

The Trump Administration prioritizes the safety of U.S. citizens abroad. The State Department is offering consular support to Americans in the affected regions and their families. No American casualties have been reported thus far. A 24/7 consular hotline is available at +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). Americans in the area are urged to monitor local news, adhere to emergency instructions from authorities, and enroll in STEP.state.gov for critical updates.

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