RMF247 hours agoWorld1 min read

Powerful earthquake in Panama. New information

Quick Look

On Friday, before 1 p.m. local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 according to the USGS or 7.2 according to the university institute was registered in Panama.
The epicenter was near La Pitaloza in Herrera province.
15 students from one of the schools and other people were injured and transported to medical facilities.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 according to the USGS or 7.2 according to the Panama University Institute occurred in the province of Herrera near La Pitaloza. The epicenter was in a sparsely populated area. The authorities reported no fatalities, but there were injuries, including 15 students from one of the schools. Buildings and road infrastructure were damaged. Tocumen Airport was temporarily closed as a precaution, but resumed operations following an inspection.

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The tremors were registered in Panama on Friday before 1 p.m. local time (8 p.m. in Poland). According to the US Geological Survey, they had a magnitude of 7.7. The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama rated it 7.2. The epicenter of the shock was in a sparsely populated area near the commune of La Pitaloza in Herrera province.

Maltzie Rivera, deputy director of Panama's National Civil Defense System, said at a press conference that there were no reports of fatalities. There are injured people who were transported to health centers and hospitals, she added. According to an official government report, 15 students from one of the schools suffered minor injuries.

As a result of the earthquake, various types of buildings were damaged, including: houses, churches, hospitals and offices. In some places, debris crushed parked cars. There is also information about losses in road infrastructure.

Authorities of Panama's largest airport, Tocumen International Airport, announced that it is resuming operations after an interruption caused by the earthquake. An inspection of the airport infrastructure did not reveal any damage.

The decision to temporarily suspend airport operations and evacuate passengers was taken as a precautionary measure following the earthquake. Planes flying to Panama were diverted to other airports in the region, including Colombia.

The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, visited Penonome - one of the cities where damage was reported as a result of the earthquake.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Panamanian authorities will conduct a detailed assessment of damage to road infrastructure and public buildings.
Likely · Within days
Tocumen Airport will be monitored for possible hidden structural damage once operations resume.
Possible · Within weeks

Open Questions

What is the exact number of all people injured?
What are the estimated costs of property damage caused by the earthquake?
Are aftershocks still being recorded in the region?