A 7.7 magnitude quake hit near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province at shallow depth. Buildings were damaged, power was cut in places, and aftershocks continued, but authorities reported no fatalities and the Panama Canal operated normally.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday near the town of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province at a depth of about 12.6 km, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake was felt widely, including in Panama City about 200 km away, prompting evacuations from buildings.
President Jose Raul Mulino said some roads had completely collapsed and called the event a major disaster, but initial reports indicated no deaths. At least some injuries occurred and hundreds of structures were damaged across several provinces. Power outages affected six provinces.
The Panama Canal and Cobre Panama mine reported normal operations. Tocumen International Airport suspended then resumed flights. More than 40 aftershocks were recorded, some above magnitude 6. A tsunami threat was issued then cancelled.
Authorities continued assessing damage and providing assistance to affected communities as aftershocks continued.
People Sentiments Negative
- President Mulino said nobody was ready for this type of disaster.
- Civil protection officials reported damage concentrated in central provinces.