Massive 7.7 Earthquake Hits Panama, Damaging Buildings and Causing Widespread Shaking

Four point six million people in Panama were affected by moderate to severe tremors. According to the US Geological Survey, which reported that the quake's impact was likely to be widespread. The earthquake occurred just before 15:00 local time on Friday.

With its epicentre located approximately 6.2 miles from the town of Pitaloza Arriba in south-central Panama.

Footage shared online shows significant damage to buildings in the towns of Penonomé and Soná. This includes a scene where a man is seen calling out to anyone trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building. Despite the severity of the damage, no casualties have been reported so far.

A maternity ward in Panama City was among the buildings evacuated during the tremors.

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The full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake is still being assessed. Several large aftershocks were reported near the initial earthquake, which may have complicated the situation. The quake occurred at a depth of just 12km, a factor that can contribute to more severe effects on the surface.

Ricardo Brown, who lives in the southern Herrera province, told news agency Reuters that the earthquake had damaged several homes in his neighbourhood of Las Minas. There, he resides with his wife. It's just the two of us old folks here, he shared.

The house has cracked and we're afraid it could fall on us.

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has assured the public that his entire government is mobilising in response to the earthquake. He stated that the situation should not be used to cause alarm or disorder. The BBC and AFP have reported that the government is working to provide support to those affected.

This includes evacuees from the maternity ward in Panama City.

Tsunami warnings were initially issued for 11 countries neighbouring Panama. However, the US Tsunami Warning System later confirmed that there was no threat. The Panama Canal, a vital waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, was not affected by the earthquake.

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The authority responsible for overseeing marine traffic through the canal shared this information.

As the 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck Panama City, residents in the surrounding area were hastily evacuated from buildings, some 200km from the epicenter, and gathered in nearby parks or took to the streets, awaiting the quake's passing. The international community is intently monitoring the situation.

With officials from Costa Rica and other nations mobilizing aid to support Panama's response to the disaster.

As the situation continues to unfold, officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to those affected. The international community is also offering assistance to Panama in the wake of this significant earthquake.