A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Panama, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning as reports of structural damage began to emerge across the country. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the tremor at a shallow depth of approximately 12 kilometers, a factor experts note can significantly intensify ground shaking and increase the risk of widespread destruction.
Panamanian President José Raul Mulino has called for public calm while directing the minister of government to provide continuous updates on the situation. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the USGS cautioned that the potential for injuries and extensive structural damage remains high. In Panama City, located roughly 200 kilometers from the epicenter, residents evacuated buildings as a precautionary measure.
The US Tsunami Warning System has alerted that waves reaching up to three meters could impact the Panamanian coastline. The warning extends to several neighboring nations, with Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru identified as areas that may experience less intense tsunami activity.
The initial earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, including a significant 6.0 magnitude tremor near the epicenter. While seismic activity is relatively uncommon in Panama compared to other Latin American regions—where such events are typically concentrated in the western province of Chiriquí—the country remains on high alert. This event follows a year of notable seismic activity in the region, including major earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia that resulted in significant loss of life.