Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Hits Off Panama's Coast, Tsunami Alert Issued
A powerful earthquake struck near Panama's southern coast, prompting tsunami warnings across several Central American nations.
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.6.
Tsunami warnings were issued for Panama and neighboring countries.
No significant damage reported in Panama City.
A significant earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale occurred off the southern coast of Panama on Friday, with its epicenter located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba. The tremors were felt strongly in the capital, Panama City, causing alarm among residents.
The US Geological Survey confirmed the quake's depth at 10 kilometers. Local resident Rosendo Domínguez described the experience, stating, "We felt it very strongly. It knocked things over in the kitchen, but we’re okay, though we’re very scared." Many residents evacuated their homes, seeking safety outdoors amid fears of aftershocks.
In response to the earthquake, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning affecting the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Omar Smith, a representative from Panama’s National Civil Protection Service, reassured the public to remain calm while assessing the situation. He noted that damage was primarily reported in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos, but there were no significant reports of damage in the capital.
The Civil Protection Service is currently evaluating the extent of the damage in areas near the earthquake's epicenter. Given that Panama is situated along the Pacific's “Ring of Fire,” it is prone to seismic activity, which raises concerns about future quakes and their potential impact on the region.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are advised to stay informed about safety measures and updates regarding aftershocks or additional tsunami threats. The government is expected to provide further assessments and guidance in the coming days as they evaluate the full impact of this seismic event.
