6.0 Magnitude Aftershock Hits Panama Following 7.6 Quake
A powerful aftershock rattled Panama, causing evacuations and damage after a major earthquake struck the region.
A 6.0-magnitude aftershock followed a 7.6 quake in Panama.
No fatalities reported, but injuries and structural damage occurred.
Tsunami alerts were issued and later lifted for several countries.
A 6.0-magnitude aftershock struck near La Tronosa, Panama, just days after a significant 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocked the southern coast. The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the quake's magnitude at 8.0 before revising it. The tremor occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located about 200 kilometers southwest of Panama City, prompting widespread panic as residents fled buildings and shopping malls.
The initial earthquake led to precautionary evacuations across several provinces, including Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos. Schools were closed, and metro services in Panama City were temporarily suspended for safety checks. Footage shared on social media depicted chaotic scenes of people evacuating buildings and gathering outdoors, fearing further aftershocks. Reports indicated that while the shaking was intense, the immediate aftermath did not result in widespread destruction.
President Raul Mulino confirmed that no deaths had been reported as of Friday evening, though he warned that assessments were ongoing. Injuries were reported, including one individual struck by debris in Penonomé. The civil protection service noted structural damage in various locations, including a collapsed bell tower in Penonomé and cracks in roads across Veraguas. Residents described the tremors as strong, with objects falling in homes and buildings swaying.
Tsunami alerts were initially issued for several Central and South American countries, including Costa Rica and Colombia, but were later lifted. The US Embassy in Panama cautioned residents about potential aftershocks and advised them to avoid damaged structures. Despite the alerts, the situation appeared to stabilize, with the Panama Canal and Tocumen International Airport resuming normal operations after inspections.
Looking ahead, Panama is set to conduct a nationwide evacuation drill to assess emergency preparedness. The USGS estimated that around 43,000 people lived in areas exposed to severe shaking, with potential economic losses projected between 1% to 10% of the country's GDP. As the region continues to recover, residents remain vigilant for any further seismic activity.
