Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits Panama and leaves the Pacific coast on tsunami alert
Quick Look
- A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Panama, triggering tremors in the capital and tsunami warnings in nine countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Hawaii (USA).
- The alerts were canceled two hours later, with no giant waves recorded.
- There were no casualties and Panama Canal operations were not affected.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Panama is located in an active seismic zone due to its proximity to the boundary between the Cocos and Nazca tectonic plates. The country has suffered significant earthquakes in the past, although this was one of the strongest recorded recently.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Panama and triggered tsunami warnings in nine other countries.
It was 12:56 pm local time when the Panamanian capital shook. Those who were in closed spaces did everything they could to go out into the street.
"It was very, very strong. Everything moved: the chandelier, the chair, the table", says a resident.
Part of Panama City's public transport was suspended, and the Ministry of Education ordered the closure of schools across the country. The tremor was felt along the coast. It tore down small buildings and caused damage to houses and other structures. The top of a church tower fell. There was a power outage in six provinces of the country.
But the damage was less than authorities expected because the quake's epicenter was in a less populated area, 200 km from Panama City in the southwest of the country, near a rural community.
Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits Panama and leaves the Pacific coast on alert for tsunamis — Photo: Jornal Nacional/ Reproduction
Tsunami warnings were issued for Panama and nine other countries. Among them, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. There was also an alert in the American state of Hawaii. About two hours later, the alerts were cancelled, with no record of giant waves.
The Panamanian government also did not record any victims. The earthquake caused concern about the country's main trade route and one of the world's main trade routes: the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Around 6% of global maritime trade passes through it. Authorities said operations were not affected.
Open Questions
- What was the exact value of the material damage caused by the earthquake?
- Will there be investigation into the vulnerability of structures in affected rural areas?
- What measures will be taken to improve the early warning system in the country?
