Panama hit by 7.7 quake, buildings collapse and evacuations ordered

Panama Earthquake Causes Widespread Damage and Disruption

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, causing widespread damage and disruption across the country. The earthquake was centered near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province, with a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, and was felt as far away as neighboring Colombia and Costa Rica, according to the USGS. As reported by the USGS, the earthquake struck at 12:56 p.m. Local time, and its epicenter was located near the Pacific coast. The USGS initially reported the quake as magnitude 7.6, but later revised it to 7.7. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also issued an initial report, while the University of Panama's Institute of Geosciences reported a magnitude of 7.2, as stated by laprensalatina.com.

Damage and Evacuations

The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings in several provinces, including Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos. A Catholic cathedral in Penonomé, a city in Coclé province, collapsed, and a hotel's facade fell onto a car, as shown in videos aired by local news outlets, according to cbsnews.com. Several injuries were reported, including one person struck by debris from a partially collapsed structure in Penonomé, as stated by sun-sentinel.com. However, there were no immediate reports of fatalities. People gathered outside shopping malls and buildings in Panama City, waiting for news of the quake's impact. Visibly shaken residents evacuated into the streets, with some reporting that the quake knocked things over in their homes. "We felt it very strongly. It knocked things over in the kitchen, but we're okay, though we're very scared," said Rosendo Domínguez, 60, who is from Herrera province, as quoted by The Associated Press.

Aftershocks and Tsunami Warning

Multiple aftershocks were recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 5.2 to 6.6. The USGS reported two aftershocks measuring 5.8 and 5.5, as stated by cbsnews.com. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory regarding a potential threat to coastal areas in several countries, including Panama, but the tsunami threat later passed, according to thestar.com.my.

Impact on Infrastructure and Economy

The earthquake had a significant impact on Panama's infrastructure and economy. Tocumen International Airport, a major regional hub, suspended flights and evacuated passengers and staff as a precautionary measure. The Panama Canal Authority reported that operations were continuing normally, as stated by sun-sentinel.com.

Detail	Information
Magnitude	7.7
Depth	10 kilometers
Epicenter	Near Pitaloza Arriba, Herrera province
Aftershocks	Multiple, with magnitudes ranging from 5.2 to 6.6
Tsunami Warning	Issued, but later passed

Response and Relief Efforts

Panamanian authorities activated emergency protocols and began assessing the damage. The National Civil Protection Service reported that damage was concentrated in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos, as stated by sun-sentinel.com. The US Embassy in Panama said it was "closely monitoring" the aftermath of the quake and accounting for the welfare of its citizens in Panama.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Panama?

The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Were there any reports of fatalities or injuries?

There were no immediate reports of fatalities, but several injuries were reported, including one person struck by debris from a partially collapsed structure in Penonomé.

Was a tsunami warning issued?

Yes, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory regarding a potential threat to coastal areas in several countries, including Panama, but the tsunami threat later passed.

As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief to those affected. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for robust emergency response systems. With the country still reeling from the aftermath of the quake, the focus now shifts to recovery and rebuilding efforts, as well as preparing for potential future disasters.