A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Panama on Friday, prompting tsunami warnings and advisories across several countries in the Americas.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake initially measured 8.0 before being revised to 7.6. The quake was recorded at 17:56 GMT, with its epicenter located about 10 kilometers from the small town of Petaluzá Arriba in southern-central Panama.
There were no immediate reports of major damage following the earthquake.
Residents Evacuate Buildings
The strong tremor caused panic in parts of Panama, with residents rushing outside after buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Videos from the area showed people gathering in open spaces following the earthquake as authorities assessed the situation.
The full extent of the impact remained unclear in the immediate aftermath, while emergency authorities continued monitoring the situation.
Tsunami Warnings Issued
The earthquake prompted the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center to issue warnings over the possibility of dangerous tsunami waves affecting parts of the Pacific coastline.
Potential tsunami impacts were identified for coastal areas of Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.
The U.S. center also issued an advisory concerning the possibility of tsunami waves reaching parts of California, Oregon and Washington, as well as British Columbia and Alaska.
Chile's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service also issued a tsunami warning following the earthquake.
Panama Located in an Active Seismic Zone
Panama is located in a seismically active region and has experienced powerful earthquakes throughout its history.
Active fault systems in central Panama represent a potential source of strong earthquakes, including events that could affect populated areas and critical infrastructure such as the Panama Canal.
The latest earthquake highlights the continued seismic risks facing Panama and neighboring countries along the Pacific coast.
Authorities in the affected areas urged residents to follow official emergency instructions and remain alert while tsunami assessments continued.