More than 50 aftershocks have been recorded following the strong earthquake that shook Panama yesterday. Causing structural damage, preventive evacuations, and service disruptions. According to preliminary reports from local media and authorities.
The seismic event was reported at 12:56 p.m. local time with a magnitude of 7.2 by the Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama. The Institute placed the epicenter approximately 39 kilometers northwest of Tonosi, in Los Santos province, at a depth of four kilometers.
Speaking to the press, Néstor Luque, director of the Institute of Geosciences, explained that the aftershocks reached magnitudes exceeding 6 and that their intensity was tending to decrease. Also though he warned of the possibility of further tremors.
The specialist attributed the phenomenon to the Azuero-Sona fault system and noted that the earthquake’s shallow depth contributed to it being felt strongly across various regions of the country.
Major impacts included structural damage in Penonome, Cocle province, where the collapse of part of the Two Continents Hotel structure was reported. Along with damage to the San Juan Bautista Church and the Governor’s Office building.
Damage was also reported at health facilities and other buildings in Cocle. While authorities continued inspections to determine the extent of the damage and ascertain whether anyone was injured or trapped.
Omar Smith, director of the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc). They announced that they had received preliminary reports of damage in Venao, Chitre, and other locations pending verification.
Following the earthquake, residents, workers, and students were evacuated from homes, hotels, workplaces, public institutions, and schools as a preventive measure, Prensa Latina observed. The seismic event also caused concern and traffic congestion in the capital and other areas.
Additionally, communication disruptions and operational impacts on transport infrastructure were reported. Tocumen International Airport implemented preventive measures while authorities assessed the safety of the facilities.
The tsunami warning initially issued for Pacific coastal areas was subsequently lifted, according to reports released throughout the day.
Authorities advised the public to stay away from buildings with visible damage. Follow instructions from emergency agencies, and rely solely on official sources amidst the circulation of unverified information.
Panama remains under seismic monitoring as civil protection teams assess damage and track aftershocks.
As of this report, the final tally of casualties and damage remained unconfirmed by officials.
With information from Prensa Latina
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