Major earthquake hits Panama, injures at least 27
The shallow tremor was felt across the Central American nation of around 4.5 million people, according to the National Civil Protection System.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Panama on Friday, causing widespread damage and injuring at least 27 people without any reported fatalities. The tremor, the strongest in the Central American nation in recent memory, was felt across the entire country.
President Jose Raul Mulino declared the situation a major disaster, citing extensive damage to roads and buildings in several provinces including Herrera, Cocle, and Los Santos. In Panama City, the capital, panic ensued as residents evacuated their high-rise buildings, with many reporting shaking buildings and falling objects.
The US Geological Survey initially estimated the quake as magnitude-8.0 before reducing it to 7.7. A tsunami warning was issued for the eastern Pacific but later cancelled. The Panamanian government swiftly mobilized resources to aid the affected areas.
International leaders, including those from Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala, offered their solidarity and assistance. The Panamanian education ministry suspended classes nationwide, and the international airport temporarily closed.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Major earthquake hits Panama, injures at least 27 freemalaysiatoday.com
- UAE expresses solidarity with Panama following earthquake gulfnews.com
- Major earthquake hits Panama, injures at least 27 punchng.com
- Panic in Panama as 7.7 quake hits, cathedral collapses and tsunami warnings spread euronews.com
- Major earthquake hits Panama, injures at least 27 japantimes.co.jp
- Another earthquake in Panama after 7.6 magnitude quake that collapsed buildings timesofindia.indiatimes.com
