Powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits Panama, damaging buildings

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon, centered near Pitaloza Arriba at a shallow depth of approximately 6 to 7 miles. The earthquake, which occurred at 1:56 p.m. local time, triggered widespread tsunami warnings for several Latin American countries, though major threats reportedly subsided within hours. Significant tremors were felt in Panama City, leading to building evacuations, while structural damage including building collapses was reported in the central provinces of Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos. President José Raúl Mulino has authorized emergency resources and called for public calm. No fatalities have been confirmed, though some injuries were reported.

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon, centered near Pitaloza Arriba at a shallow depth of approximately 6 to 7 miles. The earthquake, which occurred at 1:56 p.m. local time, triggered widespread tsunami warnings for several Latin American countries, though major threats reportedly subsided within hours. Significant tremors were felt in Panama City, leading to building evacuations, while structural damage including building collapses was reported in the central provinces of Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos. President José Raúl Mulino has authorized emergency resources and called for public calm. No fatalities have been confirmed, though some injuries were reported.