Panama joins free Google earthquake alert system after strong tremor

Panama joined Google's free earthquake alert network for Android mobile phones, UPI reported on October 16. The decision follows a strong earthquake that damaged buildings and infrastructure, according to Google and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The alert feature gives users crucial seconds to seek safety before heavy shaking reaches their location. [1]

The rollout started on Thursday, with full service expected across supported areas within a week, UPI reported. Google announced that Panama and Guatemala are among the newly added nations as the firm expands its earthquake alert system from 98 countries and regions to over 200. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama near Pitaloza Arriba. That tremor damaged structures across the area, caused power cuts, knocked down part of a cathedral in Penonomé, and led to minor injuries without any reported deaths. [6]

Panama operates as a constitutional presidential republic where José Raúl Mulino assumed office as president in 2024. Google's broader portfolio includes Android operating systems, mapping tools, search engines, and artificial intelligence software. [4][5]