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Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes Panama, causing damage and tsunami warnings
Overview
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake has struck Panama at a depth of 12km, damaging buildings, prompting evacuations including a maternity ward in Panama City, and triggering tsunami warnings for neighbouring countries such as Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile and Mexico.
Key points
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit south-central Panama, with its epicentre near the town of Pitaloza Arriba.
- Around 4.6 million people experienced moderate to severe shaking.
- The US Tsunami Warning System issued tsunami warnings for Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile and Mexico.
- Unverified footage suggests collapsed buildings in the towns of Penonomé and Soná.
- Buildings were evacuated in Panama City, located approximately 200km away from the epicentre.
- The full extent of the damage and potential casualties remain unclear.