A magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred off the coast of Panama / Tsunami warnings were issued

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred Friday near the southern coast of Panama, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The agency revised its initial estimate of magnitude 8 downward.

No damage was immediately reported in Panama. Television footage nevertheless showed people evacuating buildings after the earthquake struck.

The U.S. tsunami warning system indicated possible tsunami threats for a significant portion of Central America’s Pacific coast, as well as coastal areas of Colombia and Ecuador. Authorities are monitoring the situation, and any further warnings will depend on the evolution of seismic activity and the assessment of risks to coastal communities.

The earthquake was felt in Panama City, the country’s capital, as well as in San José, the capital of neighboring Costa Rica, according to a witness quoted by Reuters. As of the time of reporting, no casualties or destruction had been announced.