The Central American country of Panama was shaken by a powerful earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the magnitude 7.7 quake struck at a depth of 12.6 kilometers. More than 12 aftershocks were recorded, while large numbers of people left their homes and rushed into the streets.
Power outages in six provinces
Electricity provider Naturgy announced that the earthquake caused power outages in six provinces.
The tremor was strongly felt in the capital, Panama City, where some residents said the shaking lasted about 40 seconds.
Flights at Tocumen International Airport were temporarily suspended. Metro services in the capital were also halted, while employees at several workplaces were evacuated over concerns about possible structural damage.
Classes were suspended across Panama and students were sent home for safety reasons.
Buildings damaged and some structures collapse
The epicenter was reported near the settlement of La Pitaloza in Herrera province, close to Panama’s Pacific coast.
A church was damaged in Penonome, while some nearby buildings reportedly collapsed. Panama Civil Protection Agency chief Omar Smith said damage reports had also been received from Chitre and coastal areas of Los Santos province.
The earthquake was also felt in San Jose, the capital of neighboring Costa Rica.
“We are afraid our house will collapse on us”
Ricardo Brown, 74, who lives in the Las Minas area of Herrera province, described the fear caused by the earthquake:
“We are scared. There are only two of us here, two elderly people. Cracks have appeared in our house and we are afraid it could collapse on us.”
Tsunami threat ends
A tsunami warning was issued for the region following the earthquake.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System later announced that the tsunami threat from the earthquake off Panama had ended and that there was no further danger.
Panama Canal operations continue
The Panama Canal, one of the world’s most important global trade routes, was not affected by the earthquake and continued operating normally.
Around 90 vessels, including bulk carriers, tankers and container ships, were reportedly waiting for transit or port operations at the canal, located about 203 kilometers from the epicenter.
Warning over potential economic losses
According to an initial USGS assessment, economic losses caused by the earthquake could amount to between 1 and 10 percent of Panama’s gross domestic product.
The agency also warned that fatalities may have occurred.
Source: NationalTurk
