Magnitude-7.7 earthquake shakes Panama and causes major damage

Panama was struck yesterday by a powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake, which caused considerable damage to buildings and road infrastructure. President José Raúl Mulino described the situation as “a major catastrophe.”

Footage from the affected areas showed damage to homes, public buildings and infrastructure facilities. Meanwhile, power outages were reported in six provinces across the country.

President Jose Raul Mulino said that several buildings had collapsed and that parts of the road network had suffered severe damage. He singled out roads that, according to him, “collapsed completely” in the areas worst affected by the tremors.

The initial estimates of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) put the earthquake at magnitude 7.7 on the Richter scale, with a focal depth of approximately 12.6 kilometers. Panamanian authorities, meanwhile, estimated the magnitude at 7.2.

Although the damage was considerable, the Panama Canal continued to operate normally. Tocumen International Airport also remained operational, but was placed on emergency alert and began undergoing inspections.

The United States announced that it was mobilizing personnel and resources to provide assistance. Panamanian authorities urged citizens to remain calm as the tremors continued.

By yesterday evening, no casualties had been reported. The relevant services continued assessing the damage and conducting checks in the affected areas.