Two massive earthquakes and severe aftershocks rock southern Panama

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.6 magnitude struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon. The earthquakes triggered widespread panic and forced national evacuations across the country. The initial quake was centered about 10 kilometers southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, in the central province of Herrera, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The earthquakes caused buildings and roads to collapse near the epicenter, with multiple aftershocks continuing to rattle Panama. According to seismologists at the University of Panama, more than 45 aftershocks were recorded, though many were too weak to be felt. Some aftershocks measured magnitude 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2. The US Geological Survey initially reported the first quake as magnitude 8, then revised it to 7.6 and later to 7.7.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said authorities had not documented anyone killed as of Friday evening. The earthquakes were felt across the country, including Panama City, which is around 200 kilometers from the epicenter. Residents reported intense shaking, prompting evacuations from high-rise buildings. According to the National Civil Protection System, the tremor lasted approximately a minute and was felt by the population of around 4.5 million.

Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Times, The Korea Times, The Economic Times, Live Mint, Malay Mail — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.