Panama Hit by Powerful Earthquakes and Aftershocks, Buildings Collapse
The US Geological Survey reported that Panama experienced two significant earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.6 in magnitude, along with subsequent aftershocks on Friday afternoon, leading to building collapses near the epicenter and nationwide evacuations.
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According to the South China Morning Post, the US Geological Survey stated that two substantial earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.6, along with a sequence of aftershocks, impacted Panama on Friday afternoon. These seismic events resulted in the collapse of structures close to the epicenter and necessitated evacuations throughout the nation.
The USGS indicated that the initial earthquake, which was felt as far away as neighboring Colombia, originated approximately 10km (six miles) southwest of the isolated community of Pitaloza Arriba, located in the central province of Herrera. This quake occurred at a depth of 10km.
Regarding the first tremor, the USGS initially reported its magnitude as 8, subsequently revising this assessment to 7.6, and later updating it to 7.7. Residents in Panama City were observed visibly shaken while awaiting information about the earthquake's effects on Friday.
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