A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, sending residents fleeing into the streets of the capital and triggering warnings of potentially dangerous tsunami waves along the coastline.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the tremor occurred at 17:56 GMT, with an epicenter located approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the town of Pitaloza Arriba in the south-central region of the country. Initial readings had placed the magnitude at 8.0.
The quake originated at a shallow depth of 12 kilometers, a factor that typically amplifies surface shaking and potential damage. Tremors were felt nationwide across the country of roughly 4.5 million people.
Several significant aftershocks followed, including one measuring magnitude 6.0. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, authorities anticipated extensive damage, particularly in the central provinces.
In Panama City, situated roughly 200 kilometers from the epicenter, office workers and residents were evacuated from high-rise buildings as a precaution.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System cautioned that waves reaching up to three meters (nearly 10 feet) could impact Panama’s Pacific coast within hours.
Significant seismic activity is uncommon in Panama; when earthquakes do occur, they typically affect the western province of Chiriqui, making this event notably unusual in both location and intensity.
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