Powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake hits Panama and triggers tsunami warnings
The earthquake hit near Tonosí in southern Panama shortly before 1pm local time, according to the country’s Institute of Geosciences. A second quake, magnitude 6.0, followed minutes later. The US Geological Survey recorded the main quake at 7.6.
Tsunami alerts covered parts of Central and South America, with hazardous waves considered possible from Costa Rica to Mexico. Chile’s warning was cancelled later that afternoon. The article also reported 13 aftershocks.
Images showed damage in Penonomé, including partial collapse and cracking at St John Baptist Cathedral. A highway west of Panama City was split, and damage was also reported at a government office and a hotel.
Several injuries were reported, including a person hit by debris from a partly collapsed building. No deaths had been reported at the time of the article.
Tocumen International Airport paused operations and began evacuations. It said flights would resume after safety checks; President José Raúl Mulino urged the public to remain calm.
Key points
- A 7.6-magnitude quake struck southern Panama, followed by a 6.0-magnitude tremor.
- Tsunami warnings covered several countries; Chile’s alert was later cancelled.
- Damage and injuries were reported, while Panama City’s airport suspended operations pending safety checks.