Powerful M7.7 earthquake strikes Panama on Friday
The powerful earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon
A powerful M7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
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The earthquake occurred just after 1:56 p.m. EDT on Friday. The epicentre was about 14 km southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, Panama, the USGS said, which is about 200 km southwest of Panama City. The earthquake reportedly occurred at a depth of about 33 km.
Several strong aftershocks have struck the region since the main event on Friday afternoon. These aftershocks will likely continue for weeks.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued a statement saying that a tsunami threat existed along the Pacific coastline from Mexico to Peru. Tsunami waves of 1-3 metres above tide level were possible for parts of Panama, while tsunami waves up to 1 metre above tide level were possible in parts of Ecuador.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Numerous significant earthquakes have struck this region of the world in the past few months, including a pair of M7.0+ quakes in Venezuela in June, followed by a M7.4 in Colombia in August.