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Panama struck by 2 powerful earthquakes, U.S. Geological Survey says
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Panama's southern tip on Friday morning, followed by a 6.6 magnitude quake later in the day, causing buildings to shake over 100 miles away and prompting evacuations in Panama City.
- No fatalities have been confirmed yet, but several injuries and structural damages were reported, including partial collapses in Penonomé and the destruction of the historic Church of San Atanasio in Los Santos province.
- The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami threat, which was later lifted, and key infrastructure like Tocumen International Airport and the Panama Canal resumed normal operations after inspections.
- Over 45 aftershocks were recorded, with some measuring above magnitude 5, adding to regional fears following recent deadly earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela and Colombia.
- Panama lies along the seismically active "Ring of Fire," and neighboring countries, including Colombia and the U.S., have expressed support and are monitoring the situation closely.
