7.6 magnitude earthquake felt in Panama: US Geological Survey

A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Panama's southern coast at a depth of 10km, reported the US Geological Survey. Initial shock waves were felt in Panama City, causing buildings to tremble and prompting residents to evacuate into the streets. Officials downgraded the quake's magnitude from an earlier estimate of 8.0. In Herrera province, where the epicenter lay, visible residents gathered outside, visibly shaken and waiting for news on the earthquake's impact.

One resident from Herrera province recounted, "We felt it very strongly. It knocked things over in the kitchen, but we're okay, though we're very scared." Similar reports emerged across Central America and Colombia, with tsunami warnings issued for the region. While no immediate damage was reported in Panama, the Civil Protection service initiated an investigation into potential damage near the earthquake's origin.