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Two powerful earthquakes strike Panama, triggering evacuations and damage

A 7.7 magnitude quake and a 6.6 aftershock hit near the central province of Herrera, with tremors felt as far as Colombia

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources3 outlets
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.6 on the Richter scale, struck Panama on Friday afternoon, collapsing buildings near the epicentre and prompting evacuations across the country, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The first quake, initially reported as magnitude 8 and later revised down, was centred about 10 kilometres southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba in the central province of Herrera, at a depth of 10 kilometres.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the first earthquake was felt as far away as neighbouring Colombia. The agency initially reported it as magnitude 8, then revised it to 7.6 and later to 7.7. A second earthquake of magnitude 6.6 followed, along with multiple aftershocks.

In Panama City, visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they awaited news of the quake's impact. Rosendo Domínguez, a 60-year-old from Herrera province, told the Associated Press by phone: "We felt it very strongly. It knocked things over in the kitchen, but we're OK, though we're very scared. Everyone is outside, scared."

Multiple aftershocks continued to rattle Panama, including several measuring magnitude 5.8, 5.5 and 5.2. Seismologists at the University of Panama recorded more than 45 aftershocks, though many were too weak to be felt.

Authorities have not yet released a full assessment of casualties or structural damage, but buildings near the epicentre in Herrera province were reported to have collapsed.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The earthquakes struck a populated region of Panama, causing building collapses and widespread evacuations. The full extent of casualties and damage is still emerging.
  • The tremors were felt in neighbouring Colombia, highlighting the regional risk from seismic activity in Central America.
  • The USGS revised the magnitude of the initial quake multiple times, underscoring the challenge of rapid seismic assessment during a crisis.

Background

Panama lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The central province of Herrera is not typically associated with major seismic events, but the country has experienced destructive quakes in the past. The USGS monitors global seismic activity and provides rapid initial assessments that are often refined as more data becomes available. This earthquake sequence occurred on Friday afternoon local time.

Key Perspectives

Residents and Local Communities: Those near the epicentre in Herrera province experienced strong shaking that knocked over objects and caused damage. People in Panama City evacuated buildings and gathered in open spaces, awaiting official information. Emergency Services and Government: Authorities are coordinating evacuations and damage assessments. The collapse of buildings near the epicentre is a priority for search and rescue teams. Seismologists and USGS: Scientists are analysing aftershock data to determine the likelihood of further significant quakes. The University of Panama recorded over 45 aftershocks, providing critical data for risk modelling.

What to Watch

  • Official reports on casualties and structural damage, especially from Herrera province.
  • The frequency and intensity of ongoing aftershocks, which could trigger additional collapses.
  • Any disruption to the Panama Canal or other critical infrastructure, given the canal's economic importance.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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