U.S. Chinook Helicopters Deliver Earthquake Aid To Devastated Areas Of Panama

U.S. disaster response teams delivered essential supplies and assessed earthquake damage in Panama on October 11, following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the country on October 9.

The operation involved U.S. Department of State Disaster Assistance Response Team personnel, U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera and members of the Los Angeles County Urban Search and Rescue team. U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters supported the mission by transporting supplies and personnel to affected areas.

The earthquake struck along the Azuero-Soná Fault system, with its epicenter near the Azuero Peninsula and Veraguas province. Damage was reported across Veraguas, Los Santos, Herrera, Coclé and other provinces, affecting hundreds of homes, schools, health facilities and infrastructure.

Ambassador Cabrera visited Soná on October 11 to assess the damage and coordinate aid deliveries and structural surveys alongside Panamanian authorities.

The U.S. Department of State activated its disaster response team, while U.S. military helicopter support helped move supplies and experts to earthquake-affected communities.