1 hr ago
Powerful Panama Earthquake Damages Buildings, Triggers Tsunami Warnings
A strong earthquake shook Panama near its Pacific coast.
It damaged some homes and other buildings, and people felt it in parts of neighboring Costa Rica.
Some people left buildings in Panama City to stay safe.
Two Metro lines paused service, and schools across the country were ordered to close.
Smaller aftershocks followed, including one reported to be magnitude 6.
Early reports said no one had been reported killed or hurt, but officials warned that serious damage was possible.
Tsunami warnings were issued for Panama and other countries around the Pacific.
The Panama Canal continued to operate normally.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Panama’s southern Pacific coast at a depth of about 12.6 kilometers.
Damage was reported in Herrera, Los Santos and Penonomé, including a collapsed historic building tower and damaged residential balconies.
No casualties had been reported in initial updates, although the USGS said casualties were possible and extensive damage probable.
The Panama City Metro temporarily suspended service on two lines, and the government ordered schools closed nationwide.
Tsunami warnings covered Panama and several Pacific-facing countries; the Panama Canal’s operations were reported as normal.
- Who
- People in Panama were affected; President José Raul Mulino urged the public to remain calm.
- What
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake caused building damage and prompted tsunami warnings.
- Where
- Near La Pitaloza in Herrera province, off Panama’s southern Pacific coast.
- When
- Friday, October 9; the year is not specified in the articles.
- Why
Key facts
- Magnitude
- 7.7
- Depth
- About 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles)
- Reported damage
- Buildings and homes in parts of Herrera, Los Santos and Penonomé
- Casualties
- None had been reported in the initial updates; the USGS said casualties were possible.
- Public measures
- Two Panama City Metro lines temporarily suspended; schools ordered closed nationwide
- Tsunami warning
- Warnings covered Panama and multiple countries along the Pacific; one report said waves up to three meters could reach Panama’s coast.
- Panama Canal
- Operations were reported as normal.
Quotes
Ricardo Brown
A 74-year-old resident of Las Minas, Herrera province, whose home was damaged.
“We’re scared. It’s just the two of us old folks here. The house has cracked, and we’re afraid it could fall on us.”
theprint.in
Sources
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