Israeli Describes Devastating Panama Earthquake and Aftermath
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
An Israeli woman, Nurit Goren Elephant, described a powerful earthquake in Panama that caused widespread damage and fear, with aftershocks continuing for hours. The tremor, nearly magnitude 8, injured 27 people and destroyed homes in a coastal town with many Israeli residents, leaving them without essential services. Tsunami warnings were issued but later canceled. Efforts are underway to provide aid and rebuild, with Goren Elephant appealing for help from Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- An Israeli woman described a powerful earthquake in Panama that lasted for 13 hours with aftershocks.
- The initial tremor was nearly magnitude 8, causing widespread damage and fear among residents.
- 27 people were injured across Panama, and homes in a coastal town with many Israelis were destroyed.
- Tsunami warnings were issued for several countries but were later canceled.
- Blocked roads are hindering evacuation efforts, and aid is being sought for rebuilding.
An Israeli woman living in Panama described the powerful earthquake that struck the Central American nation on Friday, causing significant damage and widespread fear. Nurit Goren Elephant, who resides on an ecological farm with her husband and three children, told Ynet that the ground shook "for 13 hours" and that the initial tremor, nearly magnitude 8, felt like being on a ship in rough seas. She recounted the chaos, with people falling and buildings swaying, and noted that aftershocks continued for hours. The earthquake generated serious damage, with many losing their possessions. Goren Elephant's farm sustained considerable damage, but her family was safe in an open area. She expressed deep concern for an Israeli coastal town about ten minutes away, where approximately 100 Israeli families live and whose homes were reportedly destroyed, leaving them without electricity, water, or internet.
Authorities reported that 27 people were injured across the country. The earthquake's epicenter was located 14 kilometers southwest of Pedregal in southern Panama. The U.S. Geological Survey had issued tsunami warnings for Panama and neighboring countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, predicting waves of one to three meters, but these were later canceled. Hours after the initial quake, a magnitude 6.6 aftershock struck. While Panama City's skyscrapers remained largely intact, damage was reported in several other provinces. Videos showed people fleeing malls and bus stations, with many seeking refuge in the streets.
Goren Elephant mentioned that her family had taken in four other families but were struggling with a lack of water. "We are staying here on the farm, hoping the food will be enough and the water will return," she said, adding that efforts to evacuate people from the area were hampered by blocked roads. She noted that Israeli travelers were present and that the Jewish community in Panama City had established a humanitarian center. Goren Elephant appealed for assistance from Israel to help rebuild the farm and support the families they had sheltered. Panama is situated along the "Ring of Fire," a region known for frequent seismic activity.
