PANAMA CITY: A powerful earthquake Shakes Panama, causing widespread panic and sending residents rushing into the streets across the capital and various other regions. Following the tremors, tsunami warnings were issued for multiple coastal nations.
According to preliminary data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake registered an initial magnitude of 8.0, while some news agencies subsequently reported it as 7.6. Authorities have initiated assessments in the affected regions to evaluate potential damage. Initial reports indicated no immediate confirmation of casualties.
Epicenter and Depth
According to the Associated Press, the earthquake’s epicenter was located near the town of Pitalosa Arriba in the southern part of Panama.
The USGS reported that the depth of the earthquake was approximately 10 kilometers. Due to its shallow depth, the tremors were strongly felt across multiple regions.
According to the US Tsunami Warning Center, the earthquake occurred on October 9 at 5:56 PM Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time).
Powerful Earthquake Shakes Panama, Tsunami Alerts Issued for Multiple Countries
The US Tsunami Warning Center issued potential tsunami threat advisories for several coastal regions, including Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
Initial assessments from global disaster alert systems indicated the possibility of waves reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. However, authorities emphasized that these were preliminary estimates and did not reflect actual recorded wave heights. Tsunami risks depend heavily on the earthquake’s precise location, seafloor displacement, and coastal geography, prompting relevant agencies to thoroughly evaluate potential wave heights and coastal impact risks.
Residents Evacuate Buildings in the Capital
Tremors were fiercely felt in Panama City, the nation’s capital. As buildings shook, terrified residents fled into streets and open public spaces for safety.
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Local residents reported that household objects began falling off shelves during the sudden jolts, creating widespread panic. Tremors were also reportedly felt in parts of neighboring Colombia. However, a comprehensive assessment of structural damage across various areas remained incomplete during initial reporting.
Panama’s civil protection authorities immediately launched damage assessment procedures in the affected zones, maintaining close surveillance as coastal regions remained on high alert for tsunami risks.
