Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake in Panama Causes No Major Destruction
The strong tremor felt in southern Panama caused damage to buildings and power outages, but authorities announced there were no fatalities.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck southern Panama on Friday damaged buildings and drove thousands of people into the streets, but no widespread destruction or loss of life was reported across the country.
Magnitude and Epicenter of the Earthquake
The U.S. Geological Survey stated that the earthquake occurred about 200 kilometers away from the capital in a sparsely populated area at a depth of 12.6 kilometers.
Aftershocks and Fault System
More than 40 aftershocks affected the country in the hours following the earthquake, and experts reported that the event originated from the Azuero-Sona Fault System.
Critical Infrastructure and Transportation Status
While the Panama Canal and the Cobre Panama copper mine continued their normal operations, Tocumen International Airport lifted its temporary flight suspension.
Damage Assessment and Statements from Authorities
President Raul Mulino traveled to Penonome to inspect the area where some buildings collapsed and a church was damaged, while the civil protection agency monitored the affected regions.