M7.7 quake hits Panama, damages buildings, closes airport
A tsunami warning of up to 3 meters was briefly issued, schools were closed and more than 40 aftershocks were recorded.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon local time, damaging buildings, prompting evacuations and briefly halting operations at Tocumen International Airport and two Panama City Metro lines. The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter about 10-14 kilometers from Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera Province at a depth of about 12 kilometers. Tremors were felt as far as Panama City and San Jose, Costa Rica. Authorities reported several minor injuries, but no deaths. A tower on a historic building in Penonome was partially collapsed, while homes and balconies were damaged in Herrera, Los Santos and Cocle. USGS also recorded more than 40 aftershocks, the largest with a magnitude of 6.6. A tsunami warning was issued briefly before the threat eased, while the Panama Canal continued operating normally.