Green, Yellow, or Red?
Know What the Label Means
Panama is marking homes after the October 9 earthquake. The color on a building tells people how it may be used. Here is the simple guide.
Do not guess if a building is safe. Panama is using color labels to show the condition of homes checked after the October 9 earthquake.
The system uses green, yellow, and red. Technical teams put the label where people can see it. The label gives basic guidance. It does not replace a full repair plan or a new safety check.
What Does Each Color Mean?
Green: Use is allowed with care
A green label means the building may be used under the conditions set by the technical evaluator.
Green does not mean “no damage.” A building may still need repairs. Follow the instructions from the people who checked it.
Yellow: There are limits
A yellow label means access or use is restricted. The home may need repairs. People may be told not to use a room, a floor, or part of the building.
Do not remove the label or ignore the limits. Ask the evaluator or local authority what is allowed.
Red: Stay out
A red label means the building is not safe to use at this time. People should not enter or stay there until a competent evaluation says it is safe.
Red may mean the building needs major repairs, rebuilding, or demolition. Do not move a red label because you want to get belongings inside.
Where Is the System Being Used?
The first checks are taking place in the areas hit by the earthquake, including Los Santos and Herrera. Panama’s government says the work is also being tracked in other affected provinces.
Telemetro reported on October 23 that 150 homes in the Azuero region had been labeled at that point. The number can change as teams inspect more homes.
The labels use ideas from ATC-20. This is a guide used for quick building checks after an earthquake. The final safety decision belongs to qualified professionals and the proper authorities.
What Should Visitors Do?
Check your hotel or rental
If you are staying in an affected area, ask the hotel or host whether the building was checked. If there is a label, ask what it means and what rules apply.
Do not enter damaged buildings
Cracks, leaning walls, broken stairs, and fallen ceilings can be dangerous. Do not enter a damaged building to take photos or collect items unless officials say it is safe.
Ask before a rural trip
If your tour uses an old home, small lodge, or other building in an affected area, ask the operator about its safety check. Choose a different place if the answer is unclear.
What Should Renters and Owners Do?
If you rent a home, ask for the building’s inspection information. Keep photos of any label and save messages from the owner or manager.
If you own a home, do not make a safety decision from a photo or a quick look. Wait for a qualified inspection. A green label still means you should follow the evaluator’s conditions.
If your home has damage, Panama Conecta lets people report problems and check information about the emergency response.
Use the official site: panamaconecta.gob.pa. Check the site for current instructions before you submit a report.
What Is Panama Conecta?
Panama Conecta is a government platform for emergency information. SINAPROC says it will help people follow the work being done in affected communities.
It can help residents report home damage and see information about building checks. It is not a promise that every report will lead to immediate repairs.
The Bottom Line
Panama’s new color labels give people a quick way to understand a building’s status after the earthquake.
Green means use may be allowed under conditions. Yellow means limits apply. Red means stay out until experts say it is safe.
Visitors, renters, owners, and future residents should ask questions and follow the technical team’s instructions. Do not guess about building safety.
Sources: SINAPROC Official Communiqué 19, Telemetro, and Infobae. Information checked October 24, 2026. This is editorial information, not structural, legal, or emergency advice.