Panama Struck by Massive Quake, Sparking Tsunami Warnings

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Panama on Friday, according to the US Geological Survey, sparking warnings about tsunamis off its coast.

The quake occurred in Herrera Province, more than 120 miles (193 kilometers) southwest of the Panama Canal. It had a depth of 12.6 kilometers, the USGS said.

The USGS initially registered an 8.0 magnitude before revising it. Panama’s geological institute reported the quake as a 7.2 magnitude.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned of the potential for tsunami waves off the coast of Panama, as well as the western coasts of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru.

Local newspaper La Prensa said that people across different regions evacuated buildings, businesses, schools and homes following the earthquake.

Friday’s quake was the latest to hit Latin America in recent months.

Venezuela was struck by twin earthquakes in late June that killed nearly 6,500 people, according to the government’s official toll. The quakes caused widespread destruction, particularly along the country’s northern coast, overwhelming rescue efforts that were already hampered by fuel shortages and years of deterioration in public infrastructure.

A powerful earthquake hit Colombia on Aug. 10, leveling buildings and causing major damage in cities including Cali and Pereira. The death toll eventually rose above 330, while the government declared an economic emergency as it confronted a rebuilding bill estimated at roughly $10 billion.