Panama earthquake damages over 100 churches

The Panamanian Bishops' Conference reported that more than 100 Catholic churches, chapels, and parish buildings sustained damage following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on October 9. A preliminary report released by the conference on October 19 identified 149 religious spaces affected across various dioceses.

In the Diocese of Santiago de Veraguas, the report classified the St. Isidore the Farmer parish church in Soná and the Jesus of Nazareth Minor Basilica in Atalaya as totally destroyed. Other serious damage was noted in the Diocese of Penonomé at St. John the Baptist Parish, which has cracks in its side walls and choir balcony, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, where the top of the oldest tower partially collapsed.

In the Diocese of Chitré, St. Athanasius Church lost the top level of its tower and sustained wall cracks. The Diocese of David reported that Our Lady of Remedies sustained sinking, wall tilting, and tower cracks. In the nation's capital, the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Antigua has significant cracks and damage to the sacristy dome.

The earthquake, which occurred at 12:56 local time with an epicenter northwest of Tonosí, also caused one death and 27 injuries, according to the National Civil Protection System. More than 9,000 homes were damaged. The bishops' conference noted that many structures still require professional inspection.