Panama was hit by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake / Buildings damaged, one person injured and tsunami alerts later lifted

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, damaging buildings and roads and prompting tsunami alerts for several countries in the region. The earthquake occurred near the town of Pitaloza Arriba, in Herrera Province, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. A second earthquake, measuring 6.6, was later recorded in the same area.

The earthquake was felt by approximately 4.6 million people, including in Colombia. Damaged buildings, cracks in roads and partial collapses of some structures were reported in the provinces of Herrera, Veraguas and Los Santos. In Penonomé, one person was injured by debris falling from a building, while a cathedral and other buildings sustained damage. No deaths had been reported at the time of publication.

Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended operations, while traffic through the Panama Canal continued after the infrastructure was inspected. More than 45 aftershocks were recorded, some measuring up to 5.8.

Tsunami alerts issued for Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Chile were later lifted. Authorities continue to assess the damage, while President José Raúl Mulino urged citizens to remain calm.