US Ambassador to Panama Kevin Cabrera reaffirmed the Trump Administration's support following the earthquake in the Central American country

The U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Cabrera, detailed on Thursday the relief response deployed by the Trump Administration following the earthquake that struck the Central American country last week and underscored the strength of the bilateral alliance.

In a virtual press conference organized by the Miami Media Center of the Department of State (DOS), Cabrera stated that Washington remains committed to supporting Panama in its recovery efforts and providing assistance to affected communities. The diplomat also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of security, trade and development.

Five million dollars and immediate military support

Cabrera reported that the United States allocated $5 million in initial humanitarian assistance and deployed specialized disaster response teams. U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) provided a Chinook helicopter to transport personnel and supplies to the affected areas, and the ambassador himself traveled aboard the helicopter to the province of Veraguas to assess the situation on the ground.

In addition, twenty urban search and rescue specialists from Fairfax and Los Angeles counties were mobilized; they worked alongside Panamanian authorities to assess structural damage to hospitals, churches and critical facilities in Coclé, Veraguas, Los Santos, Panama City and Herrera. Helicopters from the National Aeronaval Service, operated as part of bilateral security cooperation, were also used to transport food and emergency supplies.

Cooperation that saves lives

The ambassador emphasized that security cooperation between the two countries goes beyond the fight against drug trafficking. "The same teams, the same training, and the same cooperation that protect our countries also save lives during natural disasters," he noted. In this regard, he mentioned the recent donation of seventeen heavy-duty trucks, valued at approximately $2.1 million, to Panama's National Border Service.

Cabrera also acknowledged the support from the U.S. private sector, including the use of Starlink technology from SpaceX to restore communications in affected areas, as well as the delivery of tents, cots, lighting and water to affected families.

Denies 'New York Times' report

During the press conference, Cabrera described as "categorically false" the report published by the New York Times claiming that 600 U.S. troops were on their way to Panama. The ambassador clarified that U.S. military personnel are in the country as part of previously agreed-upon training and cooperation efforts and are acting at the invitation of Panamanian authorities.

The diplomat criticized the newspaper for publishing the information without first verifying it with the embassy. He reiterated that the U.S. presence stems from a decades-long relationship in security, trade and the protection of the Panama Canal.

Coordination with the Panamanian government

Cabrera explained that he maintained direct contact with President José Raúl Mulino and his team from the very first hours following the earthquake. Efforts have been carried out under the leadership of SINAPROC, the Panamanian agency equivalent to FEMA, and additional Black Hawk helicopters from U.S. Southern Command have been deployed at the request of local authorities.

Regarding the possible involvement of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the reconstruction phase, the ambassador indicated that this is an ongoing discussion between the two governments. "After an earthquake, one of the essential tasks is to assess the condition of buildings," he explained.

The Panama Canal operated without interruption

The diplomat emphasized that the Panama Canal Authority assessed all its facilities within 21 minutes and confirmed that there were no interruptions in operations. "It never stopped operating," noted Cabrera, who praised the work of the administrator and his team.