In brief
A 7.7‑magnitude tremor ripped through Panama, shaking nearly five million people and prompting tsunami warnings for Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile and Mexico. The quake’s shallow depth of 12 km caused building damage, especially in Penonomé and Soná, and forced hundreds of residents in Panama City to evacuate. With aftershocks lingering, authorities are on high alert as the nation heads into a national evacuation drill scheduled for tomorrow. Meanwhile, social media users are sharing how they stay safe during big quakes.
A 7.7‑strength earthquake hit Panama at 15:00 local time, rattling the country and threatening cities halfway across the Pacific.
The U.S. Geological Survey said about 4.6 million people felt moderate to severe shaking, and U.S. tsunami alerts were issued for Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile and Mexico as the quake’s shallow depth could trigger dangerous waves.
The epicentre lay just 10 km from the town of Pitaloza Arriba, and a spike of aftershocks has followed. Footage circulating on social media shows collapsed buildings in the towns of Penonomé and Soná, though the full extent of damage and any casualties are still unclear.
In Panama City, roughly 200 km away, hundreds of residents were evacuated from schools, hospitals and other buildings. This comes just three days before a nationwide earthquake‑evacuation drill is set to take place.
The quake follows earlier devastating earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela this year, leaving experts and the public alike in high alert.
#StaySafePanama – share how you’re protecting yourself during a quake on social media and tag us!
