A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake impacted Panama, causing structural damage to buildings and generating concerns across multiple neighboring nations. The U.S. Geological Survey indicated that approximately 4.6 million individuals were exposed to moderate to severe shaking intensity. The tremor occurred just before 15:00 local time and prompted authorities to issue tsunami warnings affecting Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, and Mexico, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 6.2 miles from Pitaloza Arriba, a small community in south-central Panama. Scientists measured the quake at a depth of 12 kilometers, a relatively shallow occurrence that typically correlates with more pronounced surface-level impacts. Following the initial event, a series of aftershocks were recorded in the area. Online footage, which remained unverified, appeared to document collapsed or damaged structures in the towns of Penonomé and Soná.
In Panama City, situated roughly 200 kilometers away, evacuation procedures were conducted from multiple buildings as a precautionary measure. The full scope of damage and information regarding potential casualties remained unclear at the time of reporting. The timing of the event was notable, occurring only three days before Panama had scheduled a nationwide evacuation drill designed to prepare for major seismic events. This earthquake followed a series of significant seismic events that affected neighboring countries earlier in the year.
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