Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocks Panama
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama, causing building damage and triggering tsunami warnings across the region. Despite the intensity of the quake and subsequent aftershocks, major infrastructure like the Panama Canal remained operational.
Why it matters
The event highlights the resilience of critical global infrastructure and the immediate humanitarian impact of natural disasters in Central America.
October 9 | Duration 1:16 A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit near the southern tip of Panama Friday morning, triggering tsunami warnings along the coastline from Mexico to Peru. Tremors were felt over 200 kilometres away in Panama City, according to residents. Social Sharing A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, damaging buildings and sending thousands into the streets, but the country appeared to escape widespread destruction or deaths.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake hit at a depth of 12.6 kilometres, with an epicentre in a sparsely populated area about 200 kilometres from the capital, and that some casualties were possible.
In the following hours, even as more than 40 aftershocks rattled the isthmus nation, the Panama Canal and Cobre Panama copper mine reported normal operations and the Tocumen International Airport lifted a suspension on flights.
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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