Earthquake Shakes Panama: Buildings Rocked by Powerful 7.7 and 6.6 Magnitude Quakes

Panama City. Two powerful earthquakes struck the Central American nation of Panama on Friday. The first quake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, shook several regions. It was followed by another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6. The successive tremors caused panic among the population. Several buildings collapsed, and people were advised to move to safe locations as a precautionary measure.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake occurred on Friday morning. Its epicenter was located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of a remote settlement called Pitalosa Arriba in Panama’s Herrera province. The quake struck at a depth of about 10 kilometers below the surface, causing strong tremors to be felt in the surrounding areas.

Kitchen Items Topple; Residents Flee Homes in Fear
The impact of the earthquake was felt as far away as Panama City, the country’s capital. Frightened residents rushed out of their homes and buildings. Many gathered in open spaces, waiting for updates on the situation.

Rosendo Dominguez, a 60-year-old resident of Herrera province, described the tremors as very intense. Items in his kitchen fell to the floor. He stated that while his family was safe, people were deeply frightened. He noted that neighbors had also rushed out of their homes.

Over 45 Aftershocks Recorded
Following the initial earthquake, a series of aftershocks were felt across Panama. These included tremors measuring 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2 in magnitude. Seismologists from the University of Panama recorded more than 45 aftershocks. Many of these tremors were so weak that people did not feel them.

The US Geological Survey initially reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 8. It was later revised to 7.6 and then to 7.7. Tremors were felt as far away as the neighboring country of Colombia. Amidst the continuing aftershocks, people were urged to remain calm and exercise caution. The situation in the affected areas is being monitored following damage to buildings.