Major earthquake strikes Panama, prompts tsunami alerts
A strong earthquake struck near Panama's southern coast on Friday, shaking buildings as far away as Panama City and prompting evacuations. The USGS reported the quake at a shallow depth near Pitaloza Arriba, with tsunami warnings issued for much of Central America's Pacific coast. No casualties were immediately reported, but significant damage was expected.
The tremor occurred Friday near Pitaloza Arriba in south-central Panama, at a shallow depth, and was felt throughout the country of about 4.5 million people. Buildings shook in Panama City, roughly 200 kilometers away, and people left structures as aftershocks followed, including one of magnitude 6.
Initial USGS estimates varied, with one reading as high as magnitude 8 before being reported around 7.6 to 7.7. No deaths were immediately confirmed, though considerable damage was expected. Tsunami warnings covered much of Central America’s Pacific coast, with waves possibly reaching three meters along Panama’s shoreline. Such quakes are uncommon in Panama and typically occur in western Chiriqui province.
Residents across Panama, especially near the epicenter and in Panama City, may face disrupted daily life, damaged buildings, and continued aftershocks. Coastal communities along Central America’s Pacific shoreline could be affected if tsunami waves materialize, prompting evacuations and strain on local emergency services. Because casualties were not immediately reported, the full human and economic toll may become clearer only as damage assessments proceed. The rarity of such quakes in Panama could also leave some communities less prepared for recovery needs.