Strong earthquake shakes Panama
Quick Look
- A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck Panama, with the epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province.
- Dozens of aftershocks followed, initially a tsunami warning for nine countries, later lifted.
- In Panama City, buildings swayed and people fled into the streets.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Panama lies in a seismically active zone along the Pacific coast, where earthquakes are common due to tectonic plate movement.
A severe earthquake has shaken Panama. According to the US Earthquake Observatory USGS, it had a magnitude of 7.7.
The center was around ten kilometers southwest of the remote town of Pitaloza Arriba in the central province of Herrera, according to the US Earthquake Observatory. The quake occurred at a depth of about ten kilometers.
Initially, a tsunami warning was in effect for nine countries along the Pacific coast. The warning has now been lifted. The danger of dangerous waves has passed, said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu. There were dozens of aftershocks.
In the capital, Panama City, buildings swayed and people left their homes and gathered in the streets. The tremors were felt as far away as neighboring Colombia.
Cathedral and other buildings damaged
In Panama, according to the newspaper La Prensa, damage was found, among other things, to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista in Penonomé and other buildings. There is currently no information about possible injuries.
In several regions, people left buildings, shops and schools as a precaution. The government suspended afternoon classes nationwide. Operations at Tocumen International Airport were temporarily suspended.
Head of State José Raúl Mulino spoke of a “major catastrophe”. There are streets that have “completely collapsed”.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The government is expected to suspend afternoon classes until school buildings are fully inspected.
Likely · Within days
Operations at Tocumen International Airport are expected to resume only after the runway and buildings are secured.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What is the exact number of injured and dead?
- How extensive is the damage to infrastructure and buildings?
- How long will flight operations at Tocumen Airport remain suspended?
- What support do international organizations and neighboring countries provide?
