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A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon, prompting a tsunami warning from the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center. The USGS reported the epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba, with tremors felt in Panama City.
A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event triggered a tsunami warning for the Pacific coastline, stretching from Mexico to Peru.
The earthquake occurred just after 1:56 p.m. EDT on Friday. The USGS stated that the epicenter was located about 14 km southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, Panama, which is approximately 200 km southwest of Panama City. The agency reported the quake occurred at a depth of about 33 km.
However, reports on the specific location and depth varied slightly across sources. Newsday, citing the USGS, reported the quake was centered about 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Pitaloza Arriba and struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). Due to this discrepancy in reported depth and distance, the exact parameters remain subject to ongoing verification by geological agencies.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued a statement confirming that a tsunami threat existed along the Pacific coastline from Mexico to Peru. The center indicated that additional information would follow.
Tremors were felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and residents evacuated into the streets. Visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the quake’s impact. While the headline of a report from El Tiempo noted the quake was felt in Colombia, the article body did not specify which cities experienced shaking, though user comments mentioned sensations in Santa Marta and Bogotá.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties following the initial event. This earthquake follows a series of significant seismic activities in the region over the past few months. The USGS noted a pair of magnitude 7.0+ earthquakes in Venezuela in June, followed by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia in August.
The issuance of a tsunami warning for a vast stretch of the Pacific coast highlights the potential for widespread impact beyond the immediate epicenter. As authorities continue to assess the situation, residents in coastal areas from Mexico to Peru are advised to monitor official updates from the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center and local emergency services.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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