A powerful earthquake with a revised magnitude of 7.7 struck off Panama's southern coast, the US Geological Survey reported, shaking the capital and prompting immediate emergency checks. The agency initially listed the quake at magnitude 8.0 before lowering its estimate.
The US Geological Survey said the quake occurred at a depth of 7.8 miles near Pitaloza Arriba, Panama, and was followed by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock about 50 miles east of the initial epicenter. Reuters reported the tremor was felt in Panama City and in San José, Costa Rica.
Panama Canal authorities said operations were continuing normally while emergency protocols remained activated. Canal technical teams began inspections to assess possible damage and to ensure the safety of workers, vessels, crews and nearby communities.
Response And Tsunami Risk
Tsunami officials warned of waves reaching three to ten feet above tide levels in some coastal areas of Panama, and of one to three feet in parts of Ecuador. Smaller waves of less than one foot were forecast for coastal areas of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru.
Officials indicated a Pacific-wide tsunami was not expected. The potential coastal flooding prompted local mobilization and structural assessments, though information about casualties or broader damage was not immediately available.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said on social posts he was visiting affected areas and coordinating emergency assistance. He ordered the mobilization of personnel, resources and structural surveys, and said assistance from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean would aid relief.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted that the State Department was rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel at the request of the Panamanian government. He directed Americans needing help to the consular hotlines at +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 from the US and Canada.
The US Embassy said it was assessing potential damage and working to account for the safety and whereabouts of visitors and personnel. The embassy urged Americans in Panama to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at STEP.State.gov and to follow embassy social media for updates.
Michigan Technological University noted that earthquakes in the 7.0 to 7.9 range can cause serious damage. Authorities continued inspections and monitoring as aftershocks and tsunami advisories persisted.
