A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday damaging buildings and prompting evacuations but authorities reported no deaths or major widespread destruction as of evening. Aftershocks continued including one of 6.6. Panama Canal and airport resumed normal operations.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday at about 12:56 p.m. local time with an epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba in a sparsely populated area roughly 200 km from the capital according to the US Geological Survey. The quake at a depth of about 12.6 km damaged buildings sent thousands into the streets and triggered a temporary tsunami warning that was later lifted.
More than 40 aftershocks followed including one of magnitude 6.6. Damage was concentrated in central provinces such as Herrera Veraguas and Los Santos with reports of a collapsed church steeple in Penonome and other structural issues. Panama Canal operations and Tocumen International Airport flights returned to normal.
President Jose Raul Mulino mobilized emergency resources and urged calm. Civil protection officials noted power outages in several provinces but no confirmed fatalities or serious injuries by Friday evening. The USGS estimated potential economic losses of 1 to 10 percent of GDP.
Officials continued assessments into the night as aftershocks persisted. Residents in affected areas were advised to stay outdoors where possible due to building concerns.
People Sentiments Negative
- President Jose Raul Mulino said nobody was ready for this type of disaster.
- Omar Smith of civil protection reported damage in Chitre and coastal areas.