On Friday a powerful 7.7‑magnitude earthquake struck the South‑Central region of Panama, sending strong shaking felt by an estimated 4.6 million people, according to the US Geological Survey. The epicentre lay about 10 km from the town of Pitaloza Arriba, and the quake occurred at a shallow depth of around 12 km, increasing the intensity on the surface.
Evidently visible damage resulted in the collapse of a cathedral’s side in Penonomé, a local hotel in Soná, and severed spires in other religious structures. Residents of the northern capital, Panama City, were evacuated from high‑rise buildings and picture‑perfect streets became makeshift parks while the tremors subsided.
A 74‑year‑old named Ricardo Brown described a cracked home in Las Minas of Herrera province, fearing a collapse, as his entire family retreated upstairs during the shaking. Official reports say no fatalities have been confirmed, though the return of aftershocks could exacerbate damage.
Tsunami alerts were initially issued for 11 neighbouring countries, but the US Tsunami Warning System later confirmed that no threat was imminent. Panama’s authorities reiterated that the Canal remained unaffected, avoiding potential maritime disruptions.
President José Raúl Mulino urged calm, stating the government was mobilising a full‑scale response and that panic or disorder should not be encouraged. The seismic event came just three days before a national drill for handling another major earthquake was scheduled.
Further updates will be streamed as rescue operations continue and damage assessments are carried out throughout the country.
