Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Panama, Tsunami Warnings Issued

Politics

Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Panama, Tsunami Warnings Issued

52 minutes ago

News sources:

CBSNEWS

INDIATIMES

BBC

Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Panama, Tsunami Warnings Issued

Credited from: BBC

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama, causing severe shaking.
Tsunami warnings were issued for Panama and neighboring countries.
Many buildings were damaged, and residents evacuated to the streets.

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday morning, shaking buildings as far away as Panama City and prompting widespread evacuations, according to CBS News. The U.S. Geological Survey indicated that about 4.6 million people felt the tremors, which were severe enough to damage infrastructure, particularly in towns like Penonomé and Soná.

The earthquake, reported at a depth of 10 kilometers and located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, triggered tsunami alerts for multiple countries including Colombia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua, according to India Times and BBC. Local reports noted a palpable fear among residents, with many opting to evacuate to safer areas.

Initial reactions from residents highlighted the quake's intensity, with reports of items being knocked over in homes, as noted by witnesses, including Rosendo Domínguez, who said, "We felt it very strongly..." according to India Times. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center further elaborated that the risk of tsunamis extends as far as Costa Rica and Mexico.