The Panama earthquake video watched by 23 million people: what to do if a quake catches you on a mountain, at home or on the street

What started as a hike with friends became one of the most-watched videos of the week in Latin America. Four young people were walking on a mountain in Panama when a major earthquake hit, surrounded by trees and loose rock. Their own phones captured the tension: the ground shifting, the sound of falling stones, voices asking what to do. The first video passed 23 million views, and minutes later the group posted an update to reassure everyone: they had all made it home safe.

The clip struck a chord because any of us could have been there. And it left millions of people with a question: if an earthquake catches me away from home, would I know how to protect myself? Much of Latin America sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active zones on Earth, so the question is far from theoretical. Here are the recommendations from civil protection agencies and international bodies for each situation.

If you're on a mountain or out in the countryside

In mountainous terrain, the biggest danger usually isn't the shaking itself but what comes down: rocks, trees and landslides.

• Move away from steep slopes, cliffs and the edges of ravines. Look for the most open, level ground you can find.
• Protect your head and neck with your arms or your backpack, and crouch down so you don't lose your balance.
• Don't run downhill while the ground is moving: it's easy to trip and fall.
• After the quake, check your route back. There may be cracks, loose rocks or blocked trails, and aftershocks can trigger new slides.
• If you're near a river, move away from the riverbed: landslides can dam the water and cause sudden flooding.
• Let your family know you're OK with a short text message; voice networks often get overloaded.

If you're at home or in a building

International advice comes down to three words: drop, cover and hold on.

1. Drop onto your hands and knees so the shaking can't knock you over.
2. Cover your head and neck, ideally under a sturdy table. If there isn't one, get next to an interior wall, away from windows.
3. Hold on to the furniture until the shaking stops.

Don't run outside while it's shaking: many injuries happen on stairs or from glass and falling facades as people leave buildings. Don't use the elevator either. The old advice to "stand in a doorway" comes from traditional adobe houses; in modern buildings, doorways are no safer than anywhere else, and the door itself can swing and hit you.

If you're on the street or driving

• Move away from buildings, utility poles, power lines, trees and billboards.
• If you're driving, slow down, pull over somewhere safe away from bridges and overpasses, and stay in the car with your seat belt on until the shaking ends.
• If you're at the beach and the quake is strong or long (more than about 20 seconds, or hard to stand up), walk to high ground immediately: don't wait for an official tsunami alert.

After the quake: the first 30 minutes

• Check yourself and those around you for injuries, and give basic first aid.
• If you smell gas, don't switch on lights or strike matches; open doors and windows and get out.
• Wear closed shoes: broken glass is a common cause of injuries.
• Listen to the radio or follow official civil protection accounts. Ignore WhatsApp voice notes "announcing" a bigger quake at a specific time: earthquakes can't be predicted, and those messages are always fake.
• Be ready for aftershocks, which can continue for days.

The emergency kit: the bare essentials

Having one ready makes a real difference in the first 72 hours. Include water (at least 2 liters per person), non-perishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, any medication you take regularly, copies of your documents, a power bank, a whistle, some cash and a change of clothes. Check the contents every six months.

A family plan in 15 minutes

Sit down together one afternoon and agree on three things: a meeting point outside the house, an out-of-town contact everyone will check in with, and who picks up the kids if phones go down. Identify the safe spots in each room and where to shut off the gas, water and electricity. Practicing once a year reduces panic when the real thing happens.

What the video taught us

The four friends in Panama did something really valuable at the end: they quickly let everyone know they were OK. In a moment of anxiety, a clear update stops rumors and reassures the people waiting for news. Sharing verified information, rather than alarmist chain messages, is also a way of helping after an earthquake.

Does your family have a plan? Share this article with them: it could be the most important conversation you have this week.