Is It Safe to Travel to Panama Right Now?

There was a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Panama on Friday, Oct 9th. Several other earthquakes followed, along with aftershocks affecting the central provinces of Panama.

Following these events, many people are wondering: Is it safe to travel to Panama right now? The short answer is yes. It is safe; if you are traveling to Panama City or Coronado, your trip will likely be unaffected apart from potential flight delays. 

The quake initially prompted tsunami alerts along the Pacific coastline of Panama and several other countries including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru, according to the U.S. Pacific Warning Center. These warnings have been cancelled. 

While individual earthquakes can’t be predicted, geologists can calculate the chances that more earthquakes will follow an initial quake using statistical models of past events. For this earthquake, it is unlikely — less than a 1 percent chance — that a large earthquake will strike the area again, according to the U.S.G.S. 

The chance of aftershocks typically decreases over time. Forecast quake counts are estimates. Data is as of Oct. 13 at 10:57 a.m. through Oct. 20 at 10:57 a.m. Eastern. Source: The New York Times

Aftershocks in Panama

Subsequent earthquakes have been reported in the same area along with aftershocks caused by minor adjustments along the portion of a fault line. 

Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.

The worst-affected provinces are Veraguas, Coclé, Los Santos and Herrera.

Travelling to Central Panama?

The reality is that these areas may have some disruptions; some areas are still without power and potable water. It is a good idea to check with your hotel or Airbnb what the situation is. That being said, these areas are already in an economic crisis; bringing extra supplies along to help others may be a way to help and contribute to the local economy, some of which relies on tourism. 

The best thing you can do is to be informed. Contact the people on the ground who can help you prepare for the trip, and ask if there is anything you can do to help local communities.