Panama's 7.7 strong earthquake injures at least 27 people! Airport temporarily closed, canal shipping as usual

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Panama today, causing buildings and roads to collapse in the central region and injuring at least 27 people. No deaths have been reported yet. Schools at all levels across the country are temporarily closed, Panama City International Airport is also temporarily closed, and canal shipping is operating as usual.

Agence France-Presse reported that Panama's National Civil Protection System said the power of the shallow earthquake spread across the country and caused 27 minor injuries. Emergency response chief Rene Garcia told AFP there were no reports of deaths yet.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the earthquake occurred at 12:56 noon local time (17:56 GMT), with the epicenter located 10 kilometers away from Pitaloza Arriba, a small town in the central province of Herrera, and with a focal depth of only 12.6 kilometers.

The U.S. Geological Survey initially estimated the magnitude of the earthquake at 8.0, but later revised it down to 7.7. A tsunami warning was issued for the eastern Pacific region but was later lifted.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino declared it a "major disaster." He posted a message on the social platform X calling on the public to remain calm. "This incident should not be used to create panic and chaos," he said. He has asked relevant units to submit disaster damage reports.

Health Minister Fernando Boyd pointed out that the provinces of Herrera, Cocle and Los Santos are the most severely affected.

Boyd said that the road connecting the town of Tonosi in Sandos Province was completely interrupted. "We are trying to get there by plane because the land route is blocked," he said.

The Ministry of Education also announced that schools at all levels across the country will be temporarily suspended.

The local Earth Science Institute recorded more than 80 aftershocks, including one with a magnitude exceeding 6.0.

Panama City International Airport has been temporarily closed. The Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama said that due to safety concerns, many flights have been diverted to other airports.

The Panama Canal Authority said shipping in the Panama Canal, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, has not been affected and is still operating "as usual."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on the social platform

The leaders of Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala have also expressed their willingness to provide assistance.

This earthquake is at least the fourth earthquake with a magnitude exceeding 7.0 in Latin America this year. Venezuela was hit by earthquakes with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 in June, and Colombia was hit by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in August.