A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck the southwestern coast of Panama on Friday, triggering tsunami alerts across several nearby nations. The quake, which occurred at approximately 1:56 PM ET, was closely followed by two additional quakes measuring 5.5 and 5.8 in magnitude.
The U.S. Tsunami Center quickly issued warnings for Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, alongside Panama itself, as the seismic events unfolded. The epicenter of the earthquake was located around six miles southwest of the remote area known as Pitaloza Arriba, with a depth recorded at six miles.
Residents in Panama City reported significant tremors, leading to mass evacuations from high-rise buildings. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos as individuals rushed into the streets, seeking safety from potential aftershocks and structural damage.
“We felt it very strongly. It knocked things over in the kitchen, but we’re OK, though we’re very scared,” stated Rosendo Domínguez, a local from Herrera province. “Everyone is outside, scared,” he added, reflecting the anxiety of many in the region.
Omar Smith from the National Civil Protection Service confirmed that the most severe damage was reported in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos. As citizens gathered to await further information about the quake’s impact, the extent of the destruction remained unclear.
This seismic activity is a reminder of Panama’s position along the “Ring of Fire,” an area notorious for its high frequency of earthquakes due to the tectonic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean.
Photo credit: USGS
