Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes Panama, triggering tsunami warnings

· Climate · Panama

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, prompting tsunami warnings along the west coasts of Central and South America. Hazardous waves were possible as far south as Ecuador and Chile and as far north as Mexico, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake was felt in Panama City and in Costa Rica's capital, damaging homes and setting off panic, though operations at the Panama Canal were reported normal. More than a dozen aftershocks were recorded. Videos shared online showed destruction, and authorities warned residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground.

Why it matters：The quake tests emergency response across several countries and could disrupt shipping if damage to canal operations emerges.

Key points

  • The USGS reported the quake along Panama's southern coast.
  • Tsunami warnings covered Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Chile.
  • The Panama Canal authority reported normal operations.

Sources (original reporting)

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