A powerful 7.6-magnitude quake shook Panama, forcing evacuations, damaging buildings and triggering tsunami alerts.
The earthquake caused damage in several provinces, including Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos, according to Panama’s civil protection service, as reported by The Associated Press. Cracks were also reported along roads in Veraguas.
The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring Costa Rica, according to Reuters. President Raul Mulino said no deaths had been documented as of Friday evening, although he cautioned that the situation could change as assessments continued. Omar Smith of the civil protection service said several people had been injured, including one person struck by debris in Penonomé. “Everyone is outside, scared,” he said. “Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges may occur along the shore,” the embassy said, advising people in affected areas to stay away from damaged structures and follow official guidance.
The tremors prompted precautionary evacuations, while schools were closed and two metro lines in Panama City were suspended for safety checks. Despite the intensity of the shaking, Panama appeared to have avoided widespread destruction in the immediate aftermath. In Penonomé, the bell tower of a cathedral collapsed, while other buildings were damaged. President Mulino travelled to the city to assess the situation.
Seawater was also reported to have reached homes on Isla Canas.
Nestor Luque of the University of Panama said waves of one to three metres were expected near Isla Canas and the southern coast of Los Santos.