A magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit near Pitaloza Arriba in southern Panama on Friday, causing building damage, power outages, and at least 27 injuries with no deaths reported, followed by strong aftershocks.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck at 12:56 p.m. local time Friday near the sparsely populated community of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province, Panama, at a depth of about 12.6 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.
The shallow quake damaged hundreds of structures including homes, schools, hospitals, churches and roads across multiple provinces, with at least 27 people sustaining minor injuries and no fatalities reported as of early Saturday.
Strong aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.6, continued, prompting evacuations, temporary airport flight suspensions that were later lifted, and power outages in several provinces while the Panama Canal continued normal operations.
President José Raúl Mulino described the event as a major disaster in some areas and mobilized response teams, while a brief tsunami threat for the region was later canceled.
Assessments remained ongoing with estimates of economic losses potentially reaching a significant share of Panama's GDP in affected zones.
People Sentiments Negative
- Residents reported strong shaking and rushed outside buildings
- Officials confirmed no deaths but extensive structural damage
- Authorities urged calm amid aftershocks and ongoing inspections