A Report of the Observed Intensity and Structural Damage during the Mw 5.3 Earthquake in Santo Domingo (Province of Chiriquí, Panamá) on 8 July 2024

Abstract

On 8 July 2024, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the province of Chiriquí in Panama, primarily impacting areas characterized by informal settlements and low-income neighborhoods. The earthquake was recorded by both the Panama Accelerographic Network and the Costa Rican Strong Motion Network, with accelerations exceeding 150 cm/s2. The National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) reported damage to 24 residences and public infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. Despite the material damage, no fatalities were reported. The Ministry of Housing and Land Management (MIVIOT), the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA), and the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) also participated in the assessment and response efforts. This report presents the measurements and damage observed during the event.

Keywords

• accelerograms
• Chiriquí
• earthquake
• Panamá
• structural damage