A magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit southern Panama on Friday, damaging buildings and triggering evacuations and aftershocks, but with no deaths immediately reported and the Panama Canal operating normally.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon local time, with its epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera Province at a shallow depth, according to the US Geological Survey.
The quake and a subsequent 6.6-magnitude tremor, along with dozens of aftershocks, damaged buildings, roads and infrastructure in central provinces, sending residents into the streets in Panama City and elsewhere.
Panamanian authorities reported no deaths and only minor injuries initially, while the Panama Canal and key mining operations continued normal operations and flights resumed at Tocumen International Airport after a brief suspension.
A tsunami warning was issued for several Central and South American countries but later canceled as the threat passed.
President José Raúl Mulino described the event as a major disaster in affected areas and said assessments of structural damage would continue as aftershocks subsided.
People Sentiments Negative
- Residents described strong shaking and evacuations from buildings
- Officials reported no fatalities and ongoing damage assessments
- Canal authorities confirmed continued operations