A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Panama on Friday at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time, with its epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba in the central Herrera province. The quake, initially estimated at magnitude 8.0 by the US Geological Survey, had a depth of 10 kilometers and triggered more than 80 aftershocks, including magnitudes of 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2. No fatalities have been reported, though two injuries have been confirmed, according to Panama’s National Civil Protection System.
Residents in rural and urban areas, including Panama City, evacuated buildings as tremors were felt across the country. In La Villa de los Santos, unnerved residents spent the night in the streets due to persistent aftershocks. The US Tsunami Warning System issued alerts for the eastern Pacific, including Mexico and Chile, but these were later lifted. The quake caused structural damage, collapsing buildings and roads near the epicenter.
Seismologists at the University of Panama recorded dozens of aftershocks, prompting ongoing evacuations and safety measures. Emergency operations chief Rene Garcia stated that no fatalities had been reported as of Saturday morning. In Panama City, approximately 200 kilometers from the epicenter, panic ensued as people rushed from skyscrapers.
Live television footage captured five sports broadcasters fleeing their studio mid-broadcast as the quake shook the building. The presenters initially appeared confused before dropping microphones and evacuating. The tremors cut power to the studio, forcing an abrupt end to the broadcast.
Authorities continue to assess damage and monitor aftershocks, with no immediate reports of major infrastructure failures beyond localized collapses.