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Two severe and powerful earthquakes that occurred one after the other in Panama, a major country in Central America, have put the entire population in deep panic and fear. The epicenter of these earthquakes, which were measured as intense on the Richter scale, was located at a depth below the ground surface near the coastal areas, due to which the tremors were felt extremely strong and destructive. As soon as the tremors of the earthquake were felt, there was chaos in the surrounding major cities including the capital Panama City and people started running from their homes, high buildings, offices and commercial complexes towards safe open fields. Civil defense agencies have been put on high alert keeping in mind any possible emergency like tsunami in coastal areas after the earthquake. Due to this sudden natural disaster, there was a jam on the roads and communication services were also disrupted for some time.
After this strong earthquake, Panama’s National Emergency Management Authority and relief rescue teams immediately started a massive search and relief operation in the affected areas. According to initial reports, cracks have appeared in many old buildings, roads and infrastructure, while landslides are also being reported in some remote areas. Medical teams, fire brigade and disaster response forces have been dispatched by the administration to the affected areas. The work of evacuating the people trapped under the debris and taking them to safe places is going on war footing. An emergency has been declared in hospitals and the injured are being provided immediate medical aid. The government and local agencies are working to accurately assess the damage so that rehabilitation and assistance can be provided to the affected families as soon as possible.
The Government of India has expressed its deep sorrow and solidarity with this terrible natural disaster in Panama. India’s Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed his deep condolences to the government and people of Panama through his official social media handle. Dr. Jaishankar said in clear words that India stands strongly with the people of Panama in this very difficult time of crisis and disaster. He spoke to his Panamanian counterpart and offered all possible assistance, including emergency relief supplies, medicines, medical teams and technical assistance for search and rescue operations. This prompt and humanitarian response of India is being greatly appreciated internationally, which reflects India’s policy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and Global Disaster Friend.
After this serious earthquake disaster, major nations around the world including the United Nations and neighboring countries have asked for assistance to Panama. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Panama City has issued a special emergency helpline number and safety advisory for all Indian nationals and expatriates present there. Embassy officials have appealed to the Indian community living in Panama to remain calm, follow the safety instructions of local authorities and contact the Embassy immediately in case of any emergency. The Embassy is in constant touch with the local administration and is monitoring the situation round the clock. It is a matter of relief that according to primary information, all the people of the Indian community are said to be safe, but the administration is taking complete caution.
Seismologists and geologists believe that after the main shock, there is a strong possibility of several small and medium intensity aftershocks in Panama and its surrounding areas. Keeping this danger in mind, the Panamanian government has given strict instructions to all citizens to be alert and stay away from dilapidated or damaged buildings. Security audit of major public places, schools and government buildings is being conducted so that any untoward incident can be avoided. The entire focus of the Panamanian administration is currently focused on rapidly restoring basic services such as electricity, water and communication networks. In this time of crisis, with international help and the cooperation of friendly countries like India, Panama is making every possible effort to recover from this disaster.