According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), on Friday, October 9th, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck near the southern coast of Panama. The depth of the epicenter was reported to be 10 kilometers. Initially, the USGS estimated the magnitude to be 8.0.
The earthquake occurred after 1:56 PM Eastern Time on Friday. The USGS determined that the epicenter was located approximately 14 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba in Panama, about 200 kilometers southwest of Panama City.
Reuters reported that there have been no reports of damage in Panama so far, but television footage showed people evacuating from buildings.
According to the Associated Press, Panama City, the capital of Panama, felt the tremors, causing buildings to shake and prompting people to evacuate onto the streets. Residents, looking alarmed, gathered outdoors, awaiting information about the impact of the earthquake.
The United States tsunami warning system indicated that many areas along the Pacific coast of Central America, as well as Colombia and Ecuador, are facing potential tsunami threats.
Reuters reported that witnesses felt the tremors in Panama City and the capital of neighboring Costa Rica.