Powerful earthquake hits Panama, triggers tsunami warnings

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Panama on Friday at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), centered near the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba. The tremors were felt strongly in Panama's capital, Panama City, and other Central American countries like Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador. Buildings shook, prompting evacuations across Panama and neighboring nations. Initially measured at a higher magnitude by the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake triggered tsunami warnings for nine coastal countries including Panama, Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico. Despite the initial alarm, no significant damage was immediately reported in Panama, though residents expressed fear and confusion. The US Tsunami Warning System later indicated potential hazards along affected coastlines but did not confirm a tsunami's formation.