Another major earthquake hits Panama

A strong earthquake has struck the Central American nation of Panama once again. The tremor, felt on Monday evening local time, had a magnitude of 6. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake originated about 35 kilometres below the surface. The US Geological Survey (USGS), however, put the magnitude of the same quake at 6.1 and the depth at 10 kilometres.

The fresh tremor has deepened concern in the country after Friday's devastating earthquake. On October 9, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Panama, and another quake of magnitude 6.6 was felt the same day. Homes, schools, roads and other infrastructure were damaged in various parts of the country.

No new deaths or property damage were reported immediately after Monday's quake. Rescue and monitoring work continues in the areas hit by the earlier quakes. Authorities said it may take more time to get a full picture of the damage in remote regions.

According to Panama's emergency management authority, at least 27 people were injured in Friday's earthquake. About 900 homes were also damaged, and the number of damaged structures could rise further.

Among the worst-affected areas are Los Santos, Coclé, Veraguas and Herrera provinces. Besides homes, bridges, roads and several government buildings have also been damaged there. At least 14 bridges in Veraguas and Los Santos provinces have reportedly been damaged.

Meanwhile, more than 300 aftershocks have been recorded in Panama since Friday's major quake. Authorities had reported over 200 aftershocks as of Sunday. Experts are monitoring the magnitude and frequency of the subsequent tremors.

The Panamanian government has declared a national emergency to deal with the situation. This allows funds to be allocated for emergency aid and rehabilitation in the affected areas. Rescue efforts, damage assessment and delivery of aid to hard-to-reach areas are under way.