New 6.4-magnitude earthquake hits Panama, with more than 300 aftershocks since Friday’s 7.7-magnitude quake

Panama has been struck by another earthquake, measuring 6.4 in magnitude, adding to concerns after a long series of tremors that have hit the country in recent days.

The University of Panama’s Institute of Geosciences said the quake occurred at 18:20 local time, with its epicenter off the southern coast of Veraguas province. Its focal depth was estimated at just 2 kilometers. Meanwhile, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude of 6.1.

More than 300 aftershocks have been recorded in Panama since Friday, when the country was struck by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Damage caused by the earlier tremors to hundreds of homes and infrastructure prompted the government to declare a state of emergency.

No deaths have been reported so far from Friday’s powerful earthquake, but 27 people have been injured and around 900 homes damaged. Authorities are continuing to assess the impact, with particular attention to remote communities, where the damage toll could change.