The US Geological Survey logged a 7.7‑Magnitude quake off the coast of Panama at 17:56 GMT on Friday, with a shallow 12‑kilometre focus. The epicentre lay 10 kilometres from Pitaloza Arriba in the south‑central region, causing shuddering across Panama City and triggering mass evacuations. Residents fled multi‑storey buildings as authorities raised emergency alerts.
Initial readings pegged the tremor at 8.0, but subsequent analysis fine‑tuned it to 7.7, underscoring the importance of real‑time data.
The US Tsunami Warning System issued a hazardous wave alert for coastlines stretching from Mexico to Peru, warning that destructive waves could reach the shore within three hours. Officials in Panama City issued a public safety brief, urging coastal residents to stay inland and monitor radio updates.
Given the quake's shallow depth and proximity to the coast, scientists anticipate the potential for a 2‑to‑4‑metre tsunami along Panama’s Pacific shore. The government has deployed coastal patrols and activated the National Disaster Management Authority to coordinate rescue efforts.
The next major development will be the monitoring of wave propagation by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, with a planned status update by Sunday noon.