Earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude strikes Panama

A powerful earthquake hit Panama on October 9, shaking buildings and forcing thousands of people to evacuate. The magnitude 7.7 quake struck near Pitaloza Arriba in south-central Panama, at a shallow depth of 12 kilometres. Because it was shallow, it caused more damage at the surface. The tremor lasted about one minute. Buildings collapsed in several central regions, including Herrera and Veraguas. In Panama City, around 200 kilometres away, people ran out of tall buildings in panic. Authorities issued a tsunami warning for Panama and nearby countries, but lifted it later. The Panama Canal was not affected and kept running normally. No casualties were reported in the early hours after the quake. Panama had already planned a national earthquake drill for three days later.