Tsunami alert after major earthquake rocks Panama

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck south-central Panama on Friday, sending shockwaves through the capital city of Panama City and prompting tsunami warnings. The quake, which registered at an initial magnitude of 8, was centered just 10 kilometers from the town of Pitaloza Arriba. With a depth of 12 kilometers, the tremor was powerful enough to be felt across all 4.5 million residents of Panama. While no casualties have been reported yet, extensive damage is anticipated, particularly in the region's central areas.

In the wake of the initial quake, several aftershocks were recorded, including a magnitude 6 event. The USGS and U.S. Tsunami Warning System both issued alerts, predicting tsunami waves up to three meters high could hit the coastline in the hours following the initial disaster. Many people sought refuge from buildings in Panama City, located approximately 200 kilometers from the epicenter. This seismic event marked a rare occurrence for Panama, where earthquakes are typically limited to the western Chiriqui province.