After the Quake: Life in Limbo for Panama City’s Expat Community

As the earth continued to shake in Tonosí, the small town closest to the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake’s epicenter, expats and digital nomads in Panama City found themselves watching the unfolding drama with concern. The lack of basic services-water and electricity-left the community in Tonosí struggling to survive, with makeshift solutions popping up in parks and public spaces.

Feeding the Hungry

In the midst of the chaos, a group of women from the health center in Tonosí took it upon themselves to serve three meals a day to the affected residents. The scene in one of the town's parks was a stark reminder of the resilience and community spirit that prevails in the face of disaster. Despite the constant aftershocks, Argelis Ortega and her team worked tirelessly to ensure that those in need received sustenance.

“There have been quite a few. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for more than a hundred people,” Ortega told news media, her focus unbroken as she seasoned the pork in a slow-cooking pot. The makeshift dining hall in the park became a lifeline for many, providing a sense of normalcy amidst the extraordinary circumstances.

Life on Hold

For Cristal Reyes, a local resident who works near the park, the earthquake disrupted her routine. “I didn’t even dare go home. My husband sent me a video and everything is on the floor,” she recounted, her voice tinged with anxiety. The tremors were so severe that they knocked her and her coworkers to the ground, leaving the town in a state of disarray.

While the tremors continued, the Executive of Panama flew in by helicopter to assess the damage, and the authorities declared a national state of emergency, allocating up to $100 million to address the situation. The town of Tonosí remains in a state of limbo, with basic services still unavailable and the future uncertain.

For expats and digital nomads in Panama City, the news from Tonosí serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of the region. While the city itself was not as severely affected, the impact of such a powerful earthquake underscores the need to be prepared and stay informed. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant, stay connected with local news, and be ready to support their neighbors and community in times of need.