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A 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocks Panama
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Panama's central coast near Pitaloza Arriba on Friday, followed by a 6.6-magnitude quake and over 45 aftershocks, prompting tsunami warnings for Panama and several neighboring countries.
- The quake caused significant structural damage in central provinces including Veraguas, Herrera, Los Santos, Coclé, and Penonomé, with reports of injuries but no immediate casualties.
- Buildings shook in Panama City, leading residents to evacuate into the streets, and videos showed collapsed structures such as a Catholic cathedral and a hotel facade falling onto a car.
- Panama’s National System for Civil Protection is actively monitoring the situation, while nearby countries and the U.S. Embassy expressed solidarity and readiness to assist.
- The earthquake occurred along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for frequent seismic activity.
