The San Atanasio Church sustained damage after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck La Villa de Los Santos, Panama. (EPA Images pic)PANAMA CITY: Panama has recorded more than 200 aftershocks following Friday's 7.7-magnitude earthquake that damaged hundreds of homes and infrastructure across the country's central provinces, prompting the government to declare a national state of emergency over the weekend.

No deaths have been reported, but at least 27 people were injured and nearly 900 homes have been damaged, according to emergency authorities, though the figure could rise as assessments continue in remote communities.

The emergency declaration will allow the government to allocate up to US$100 million in relief funds without exceeding its 2026 fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of GDP, the economy ministry said.