A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit near Pitaloza Arriba in southern Panama on Friday, damaging structures, cutting power in several provinces, and suspending flights at Tocumen airport.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama at approximately 12:56 local time on Friday at a depth of about 12.6 km near the community of Pitaloza Arriba. The USGS reported the event and noted the possibility of casualties.
Power was disrupted across six provinces. Tocumen International Airport suspended flights. Damage to buildings was reported in areas including Penonome and coastal towns, with videos showing collapsed structures.
More than 40 aftershocks followed, including one of magnitude 6.6. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted with no further danger reported. The Panama Canal continued operations after inspections.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino called for calm and directed resources to affected areas. Local civil protection officials said damage was concentrated in central provinces.
No widespread fatality reports were confirmed in initial official statements used here, though minor injuries were noted in some accounts. Economic impact estimates from USGS ranged from 1 to 10 percent of GDP.
People Sentiments Negative
- Residents evacuated into the streets in Panama City and other areas.
- Officials reported power outages and structural damage in several provinces.
- Civil protection agency coordinated response in affected regions.