7.7 Magnitude earthquakes today in Panama Triggers Tsunami Warnings for Multiple Countries
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Pitaloza Arriba in south-central Panama, damaging buildings, prompting tsunami warnings for multiple countries in Central and South America, and causing widespread shaking felt by about 4.6 million people. This event is among the notable earthquakes today as it registered at a shallow depth and triggered regional alerts. [4]
Major 7.7 Magnitude Quake Strikes Panama
The quake struck at a shallow depth of 10-12 km about 14 km west of Río Grande and 6.2 miles from Pitaloza Arriba, increasing the likelihood of severe surface effects. [2] [4] Buildings were damaged in towns including Penonomé and Soná. [4] A maternity ward in Panama City was evacuated and people rushed into streets in the capital 200 km away. [4] [5] The epicentre of the earthquake was about 6.2 miles from the small town of Pitaloza Arriba in south-central Panama. [4] The quake was registered as occurring at a depth of just 12km. [4] The shallower the earthquake, the more likely it is to have more severe effects on the surface. [4] Footage shared online appears to show collapsed buildings in the towns of Penonomé and Soná. [4] Many people were evacuated from buildings in Panama City about 200km away. [4] The full extent of the damage it has caused is not yet clear. [4]
Tsunami Warnings Issued Across Region
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake caused building damage in south-central Panama. — Source: bbc
Tsunami warnings were issued for coasts of Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Chile and Mexico, with waves up to 3 meters possible along parts of Panama's coastline. [3] [5] The quake could trigger tsunamis in Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile and Mexico according to the US Tsunami Warning System. [4] The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. [5] The US Tsunami Warning System warned that tsunami waves of up to 3 meters could reach parts of Panama's coastline in the coming hours. [5] The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to Hawaii. [5] Based on all available data a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected and there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii. [5]
Aftershocks and Widespread Shaking Reported
Several aftershocks followed including one of magnitude 6.6. [2] About 4.6 million people felt moderate to severe shaking as a result of the quake according to the US Geological Survey. [4] The effects of the disaster were likely to be widespread. [4] A separate minor M2.9 earthquake occurred 46 km SSE of Denali National Park Alaska at a depth of 5 km. [1] Several strong aftershocks were also recorded including one measuring magnitude 6. [5] Videos show people fleeing as buildings shake. [5] Tremors were felt in Panama City where buildings shook and residents rushed outside for safety. [5] “We felt it very strongly. It knocked things over in the kitchen but we’re okay though we’re very scared” Rosendo Domínguez 60 who is from Herrera province told The Associated Press by phone. [5] “Everyone is outside scared.” [5]
Damage Assessment and Official Response
There were no immediate reports of casualties but damage assessment is ongoing near the epicenter. [5] Panama's Civil Protection agency said it was assessing possible damage near the epicenter. [5] No further details on the impact were immediately available. [5] Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino called for calm writing on X that what happened should not be used to cause alarm or disorder. [5] However the full extent of the damage it has caused is not yet clear nor whether there have been any casualties as a result. [4]
Context of Recent Seismic Activity
The event occurred three days before Panama's scheduled national earthquake evacuation drill and follows earlier devastating quakes in Colombia and Venezuela this year. [4] The earthquake comes just three days before Panama was scheduled to hold a national evacuation drill for dealing with a major earthquake. [4] It also follows devastating earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela earlier this year. [4]
Minor Alaska Tremor Recorded
A separate minor M2.9 earthquake occurred 46 km SSE of Denali National Park Alaska at a depth of 5 km. [1] Magnitude 2.9 earthquake at depth of 5.0km. [1]
What to watch next: The full extent of the damage is not yet clear nor whether there have been any casualties as authorities continue assessments near the epicenter while aftershocks continue.
