A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Panama today, shaking buildings and triggering a widespread tsunami warning. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), buildings in the capital were shaken by the tremor, prompting mass evacuations.
Epicentre and impact
The quake was centred near the southern tip of the Central American country, about 14 kilometres (nine miles) south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, the USGS said.
The NOAA has since issued a “potential tsunami threat” for nine countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador and Costa Rica, The Express reports. Possible tsunami waves could hit the region “within hours”, the US Tsunami Warning System has warned.
Residents react
Residents rushed to social media to share their shock at the quake, as one wrote on X: “Just now, there was an earthquake in Panama. I'm scared to death. It was very strong. I'm scared. My dogs are frightened. I didn't know what to do.”
Tremors were felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and people evacuated into the streets. Visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the earthquake’s impact.
