U.S. helicopters deliver 2,000 pounds of food and Washington pledges $5 million as Panama quake injures 27 and damages more than 400 buildings

The United States has sent food to communities affected by Friday’s magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Panama, with Washington pledging $5 million in humanitarian assistance, the Associated Press reported. Two helicopters helped deliver 2,000 pounds of food, according to U.S. Southern Command.

Panamanian authorities have reported 27 injuries and damage to more than 400 buildings. The Panama Canal’s operations remain normal, the canal authority said.

Panama’s government declared a state of emergency on Saturday to prioritize assistance for affected families. The earthquake was followed by a second powerful tremor and numerous aftershocks, the Associated Press reported.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck on Friday, October 9. Panama’s canal authority said it was carrying out precautionary inspections after the shaking.