7.6 Earthquake Strikes Southern Panama; USGS Warns of Hazardous Tsunami Waves

A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama today, shaking buildings as far as the capital and triggering evacuations, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS said the epicentre was about 14 kilometers southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, near the country’s southern tip. Reuters reported a depth of 10 kilometers, and said the USGS had downgraded an earlier estimate of 8.0.

The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama said the quake struck just before 1 p.m. local time near the southern town of Tonosí. It said a second quake, of magnitude 6.0, followed at 1:22 p.m.

The USGS said hazardous waves are possible along the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. The US Tsunami Warning System also showed potential threats in Colombia, according to Reuters.

Buildings shook in Panama City and residents ran into the streets, according to Reuters witnesses and the Associated Press. The quake was also felt in Costa Rica’s capital, San José. Local media reported it was felt in parts of Colombia.

Panama’s newspaper La Prensa reported that buildings, schools and homes across the country were evacuated. Panama’s Civil Protection agency said it is assessing possible damage near the epicentre. Reuters reported no immediate damage in Panama.