A 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook Panama’s central coast on Friday, triggering tsunami warnings for several neighboring countries.
The earthquake struck around 1:56 p.m. ET, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Two smaller quakes – a 5.5 magnitude quake in Bajo Corral and a 5.8 in El Cacao – shook moments later.
At least four other aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4.8 to 5.0, were detected in the southern tip of the country in the two hours after the initial 7.7 quake.
The US Tsunami Center issued tsunami warnings for Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Peru, as well as Panama, shortly after the earthquake.
The earthquake occurred about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the isolated community of Pitaloza Arriba, near the southern tip of Panama, the USGS said. It struck at a depth of 6 miles.
Tremors were also felt in the capital, Panama City, where buildings shook and people were evacuated into the streets. The city is known for its tall skyscrapers.
Visibly shaken residents gathered outside waiting for news of the earthquake’s impact.
“We felt it very strongly. It spilled things in the kitchen, but we are fine, although we are very scared,” Rosendo Domínguez, 60, from Herrera province, told The Associated Press by telephone. “Everyone is outside, scared.”
Omar Smith of the National Civil Protection Service said damage was concentrated in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos.
Smith said several injuries were reported, including one person struck by debris from a partially collapsed structure in the town of Penonomé. It confirmed a partial collapse and cracks of the cathedral in the district’s main square and the Dos Continentes hotel. No casualties were immediately reported.
Coclé province said the governor’s palace suffered significant structural damage, but staff members were safely evacuated. The local government also urged community members to remain calm after the earthquake.
Video broadcast by local media showed the collapse of a Catholic cathedral and part of the facade of a hotel falling on a car in the town of Penonomé, in the central province of Coclé. No casualties were immediately reported.
Videos on social media show collapsed buildings near the site of the initial quake and aftershocks, including a hotel reduced to ruins in Playa Venao, a tourist area.
Panama’s national civil protection system said it was monitoring new reports of damage across the country.
Panama lies along the “Ring of Fire,” the seismic fault line surrounding the Pacific Ocean, where most of the world’s earthquakes occur.
Neighboring countries sent messages of support on Friday afternoon. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, whose country was recently hit by earthquakes, expressed solidarity with the Panamanian people and their government in what he called “difficult times.”
“Panama is not alone! You can count on Colombia’s support and our complete willingness to provide all necessary assistance,” he wrote on X.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama said it was “closely monitoring” the aftermath of the earthquake and considering the well-being of its citizens in Panama, a well-known retirement destination for Americans.
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