Powerful 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Panama, Triggering Hundreds of Tremors
A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 has struck southern Panama, causing damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Authorities reported several minor injuries, but there were no immediate reports of deaths or missing people. The country's civil protection authorities said damage had been reported at homes, hotels, businesses, churches, roads and government buildings.
The USGS initially warned that the earthquake could cause casualties and significant damage. The main tremor was followed by numerous aftershocks, some of which were strong enough to raise further concerns about the safety of damaged structures.
RenĂ© GarcĂa, director of Panama's Emergency Operations Center, told CNN that 147 aftershocks had been recorded. Some registered magnitudes of 6.1 and 6.6, adding to the disruption caused by the initial earthquake.
Authorities said they were waiting for the shaking to ease before carrying out detailed inspections of affected buildings. The most substantial damage was reported in Coclé province along Panama's southern coast, although the capital, Panama City, also experienced the effects of the earthquake.
Buildings Damaged in Several Areas
Videos verified by CNN showed damaged structures in Penonomé, a city around 70 miles from the earthquake's epicenter. One recording showed a church with part of its steeple collapsed, while another building had suffered severe damage to its exterior.
The popular resort area of Playa Venao also reported significant destruction. A multistory building collapsed, crushing several cars parked beneath it.
The damage raised concerns about the condition of other buildings in areas that experienced strong shaking. Officials said structural assessments would be carried out once conditions allowed emergency teams to work safely.
The earthquake was also felt around the Panama Canal, one of the country's most important transport and trade routes. Footage showed the suspension cables of the Centennial Bridge shaking as vehicles continued to cross.
The Panama Canal Authority said canal operations were continuing normally while teams inspected facilities for possible damage.
Public Transport and Airport Operations Disrupted
The earthquake affected transport services in the capital, where authorities suspended service on two metro lines as a precaution. Passengers were evacuated from some stations while officials assessed the situation.
Many residents rushed out of buildings and gathered in the streets, shaken by the intensity and duration of the tremor.
Kevin Cortez, a resident of Panama City, told Reuters that the earthquake was strongly felt on the ninth floor of his building.
Another resident described how furniture and other objects moved during the shaking. Rather than attempting to run down the stairs while the building was moving, the resident chose to wait until the tremor passed.
The witness said the shaking lasted for what felt like a considerable amount of time, while people nearby could be heard running and shouting in fear.
Panama's main international airport was temporarily closed as a precaution. Some flights were diverted to other airports, although the civil aviation authority later confirmed that operations had resumed.
The disruption highlighted the challenges facing emergency services as they worked to assess damage and restore normal services.
Schools Closed as Authorities Respond
Panama's Education Ministry canceled classes nationwide for the remainder of the day to protect students and allow authorities to assess the situation.
The country's water and sewage institute also reported interruptions at several water treatment facilities. Power outages caused by the earthquake affected plant operations, creating concerns about water services in the impacted areas.
Emergency officials continued gathering information about damage to buildings and public infrastructure. Inspections were particularly important in locations where strong aftershocks could further weaken structures already affected by the initial earthquake.
Residents were urged to remain calm while authorities coordinated their response.
President Calls for Calm and Mobilizes Assistance
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino called on the public to remain calm and instructed the minister of government to provide updates on the earthquake's impact.
The president also mobilized resources to support communities affected by the disaster.
Mulino visited a hospital in Penonomé, where several patients had been evacuated from the building and were receiving treatment outdoors. The evacuation was part of efforts to protect patients while officials assessed the hospital's condition.
Authorities continued monitoring the situation as emergency teams worked to determine the full extent of the damage and identify areas requiring immediate assistance.
Tsunami Warning Lifted
Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued an initial alert about the possibility of tsunami waves affecting some coastal areas.
The warning was later withdrawn after officials determined that the threat had passed.
The alert prompted additional concern among coastal communities, where residents were already dealing with building damage and repeated tremors. Authorities continued to monitor conditions as assessments of the earthquake's effects progressed.
Regional Support Offered to Panama
The earthquake added to a series of major seismic events reported in Latin America, a region that experiences frequent earthquakes because of its complex tectonic activity.
The supplied report also noted earlier powerful earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia that caused substantial casualties. Leaders from both countries offered assistance to Panama as its government responded to the disaster.
For Panama, the immediate priorities remained treating injured residents, inspecting damaged buildings, restoring disrupted services and ensuring that emergency teams could operate safely despite continued aftershocks.
Officials were expected to gain a clearer picture of the earthquake's overall impact as inspections continued and more information became available.
0 Comments