Two powerful earthquakes have struck Panama within hours of each other, shaking buildings in the capital, damaging infrastructure and prompting evacuations, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.7, struck on Friday morning near Panama’s southern region, with its epicentre located about seven miles southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba at a depth of approximately seven miles.
A second earthquake, measuring magnitude 6.6, followed about two and a half hours later. The USGS placed its epicentre about eight miles west of Río Grande along Panama’s Pacific coast, at a depth of roughly six miles.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said authorities had not recorded any deaths by Friday evening, although he cautioned that the situation could change as assessments continued.
The tremors were felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and residents rushed into the streets as a precaution.
Several aftershocks followed the main earthquakes, including tremors measuring magnitudes 5.8, 5.5 and 5.2. Seismologists at the University of Panama recorded more than 45 aftershocks.
The National Civil Protection Service reported damage concentrated in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos.
Several injuries were reported, including a person struck by debris from a partially collapsed structure in Penonomé, about 93 miles (150 kilometres) from the capital.
Authorities also reported a partial collapse and cracks at a cathedral in Penonomé, as well as damage to the governor’s office building and the Dos Continentes hotel.
Local media reported the collapse of the historic Church of San Atanasio in Los Santos province, while large fissures were observed along roads in Veraguas.
The earthquakes initially raised concerns about a possible tsunami, prompting a warning from the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
However, the centre later confirmed that the threat had passed.
Tocumen International Airport in Panama City temporarily suspended operations after the first earthquake before announcing its reopening later on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Panama Canal Authority said operations along the strategic global trade route were continuing normally, as technical teams inspected facilities for possible damage and prioritised the safety of employees, vessels and crews.
Panama lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes because of the interaction of several tectonic plates.
The country’s last major earthquake to cause widespread damage occurred in 1991, when a magnitude 7.4 tremor centred in neighbouring Costa Rica killed 23 people and injured 559.
Colombia expressed solidarity with Panama and offered assistance, while the United States Embassy said it was monitoring developments and checking on the welfare of American citizens in the country.
