Strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake shakes Panama, setting off panic in capital

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Panama on Friday morning, shaking buildings as far away as the capital and prompting evacuations, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake was centered near the southern tip of the Central American country, about 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, the USGS said.

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 quake's impact.