Press Statement From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Recent Earthquake in the Republic of Panama

For Immediate Release
11th October 2026

The Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas extend sympathy to the Government and people of the Republic of Panama and bear deep concerns following the earthquake that struck the country on 9 October 2026.

The Bahamas continues to closely follow the reports of injuries to persons, damages to homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and widespread infrastructure, particularly in the central provinces.

We hope for the full recovery of those injured and the rapid rebuilding of damaged properties. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those impacted. The Bahamas stands in solidarity with the Republic of Panama and is committed to support recovery efforts wherever possible.
The emergency response of the Panamanian authorities is commendable.

The Bahamas and Panama enjoy friendly relations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Frederick A. Mitchell, was in Panama City in June of this year for the 56th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, hosted by the Government of Panama. The Bahamas looks forward to welcoming Her Excellency Ana Delgado, Ambassador-designate of Panama to The Bahamas, who is expected to present her credentials on 19 October 2026.

The earthquake disrupted air travel through Panama City, and Bahamian nationals were among the travellers affected, inclusive of flights diverted to Barranquilla and Cartagena, Colombia. The Ministry has been in contact with its Panamanian and Colombian counterparts. Consular assistance is being coordinated between Nassau and the Bahamas Consulate General in Miami, with the support of the Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in Panama City, Mr Facundo Bacardi. The Ministry continues to engage Copa Airlines on the onward travel of affected passengers.

The Ministry thanks the Colombian officials at the Barranquilla and Cartagena airports for their assistance to Bahamian travellers and the Embassies of Barbados, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago in Panama City that remain on standby to assist the family members who provided contact details for their relatives.

Bahamians in Panama or Colombia who require assistance and/or their families, should contact the Ministry or the Consulate General in Miami.

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