A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the area near Panama’s southern coast on Friday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The earthquake, recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres, saw the USGS revise its initial magnitude estimate of 8.0 down to 7.6.
The tsunami warning system issued a potential hazard alert for the tsunami along much of Central America’s Pacific coast, as well as in Colombia and Ecuador. The US National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
According to Reuters witnesses, the earthquake was felt in Panama City, where people were seen leaving buildings and stepping out onto the streets. Television footage showed people evacuating from buildings, with residents gathering in the open, awaiting information on the earthquake’s potential consequences. The quake was also felt in the capital of neighbouring Costa Rica, San José, and according to local media reports, it was felt in parts of neighbouring Colombia.
Panama’s civil protection agency announced it is assessing the damage in areas near the earthquake’s epicentre. As of now, there are no reports of damage in Panama.
Rosendo Domínguez, a 60-year-old from Herrera province, told the AP: "We felt it strongly. Things were tumbling in the kitchen, but we are fine, although we are very scared. Everyone is outside and frightened."
