A powerful earthquake struck central Panama shortly before 1 p.m. on Friday, prompting widespread evacuations, damaging buildings and producing a continuing series of aftershocks.
Panama’s Geosciences Institute recorded the earthquake at 12:56 p.m. and issued a reviewed measurement of magnitude 7.2. It placed the epicentre 39 kilometres northwest of Tonosí, in Los Santos province, at a depth of four kilometres.
The US Geological Survey reported a higher magnitude of 7.7 and a depth of approximately 13 kilometres, with the epicentre 12 kilometres west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba. Initial international reports had placed the magnitude as high as 8.0 before further analysis.
The shallow earthquake was felt across much of Panama, including Panama City, where residents evacuated office buildings, schools, homes and shopping centres. Communications were temporarily disrupted in some areas.
Preliminary damage was reported in Venao, Chitré and other parts of the central provinces. In Penonomé, damage was documented at the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, the provincial government building, Hotel Dos Continentes and Iguana Mall. A complete national assessment was not yet available.
The Geosciences Institute reported at least 13 aftershocks by approximately 1:30 p.m., including one initially measured at magnitude 6.0. Officials attributed the earthquake to the Azuero-Soná fault system and warned that further aftershocks should be expected.
Panama’s Education Ministry suspended afternoon classes nationwide and closed its administrative offices. Sinaproc advised people to remain outside visibly damaged structures until they can be inspected.
An international tsunami threat message was issued shortly after the earthquake. However, the US Tsunami Warning Centers subsequently reported that no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat remained in effect.
No deaths or serious injuries had been officially confirmed shortly before 2 p.m. Authorities were continuing to evaluate affected communities, particularly in Los Santos, Herrera, Veraguas and Coclé.
Sources: Prensa
