7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Panama, Buildings and Roads Collapse

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Panama on Friday, causing significant damage to buildings and roads and triggering panic across the Central American nation. No immediate casualties were reported.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 1756 GMT, with its epicentre near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province. The tremor lasted around a minute and was followed by more than 80 aftershocks, including one exceeding magnitude 6.0.

Several areas, particularly Herrera, Coclé and Los Santos provinces, reported extensive damage. The town of Tonosí was cut off due to damaged roads, while Panama City’s international airport was temporarily closed as a precaution. A tsunami warning for the eastern Pacific was issued but later lifted.

President José Raúl Mulino travelled to Penonomé to coordinate relief efforts and urged the public to remain calm. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal Authority confirmed that shipping operations continued normally despite the earthquake.

Authorities suspended school classes nationwide as emergency teams assessed the damage and worked to reach affected communities.