Panama declares state of emergency after two quakes leave 27 wounded

At least 27 people were injured and about 300 forced to evacuate in Panama after a pair of powerful earthquakes jolted the country Friday.

The magnitude 7.7- and 6.6- tremors triggered widespread devastation across all 10 of Panama's provinces and two Indigenous territories, with numerous homes, school buildings, health facilities and historic churches damaged.

While no deaths have been reported, Pananamian President Jose Raul Mulino has declared a state of emergency to coordinate aid efforts.

The Central American country has set up donation collection centres and provincial government offices will serve as additional collection points, he says.