Panama earthquake: Tsunami warning still in effect? Were aftershocks detected? Here’s what we know so far | Today’s news

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Panama on Friday (October 9), toppling buildings and roads, damaging historic structures and injuring at least 27 people. Authorities have reported no deaths, although President José Raúl Mulino warned that the death toll could change as rescue and damage assessments continue.

The shallow earthquake sparked panic across the Central American country and residents evacuated buildings in the capital, Panama City. Authorities also issued tsunami warnings for parts of the eastern Pacific before canceling them later in the day.

The earthquake was followed by dozens of aftershocks, including one with a magnitude greater than 6.0, according to local geoscience authorities.

Here’s what we know so far about the earthquake, tsunami warning, aftershocks and damage.

Is the tsunami warning still in effect?

No. A tsunami warning issued after the earthquake was later lifted, according to reports.

The warning covered the Pacific coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Warnings issued by El Salvador and Chile for Easter Island were also lifted.

Néstor Luque, director of the Geosciences Institute at the University of Panama, said waves measuring 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters) were expected around Isla Cañas and the southern coast of Los Santos province. He said large waves are not expected beyond those areas.

According to Luque, seawater has already reached some houses near the coast on Isla Cañas.

Were aftershocks detected?

Yes. Panama’s local geoscience institute recorded more than 80 tremors, including one with a magnitude greater than 6.0.

Several aftershocks were reported to have magnitudes of 5.8, 5.5 and 5.2.

The tremors prompted some residents to evacuate buildings more than once.

Epicenter

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake struck at 12:56 local time (1756 CET) on Friday with an epicenter about 10 kilometers (six miles) from Pitaloza Arriba, a small community in central Herrera province.

The quake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers, increasing the potential for strong tremors near the epicenter.

The USGS initially estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 8.0, then revised it to 7.6 and then to 7.7.

Tremors were felt throughout Panama, including the capital, which is about 200 kilometers (120 mi) from the epicenter. Residents reported objects falling into houses and buildings as people rushed outside as a precaution.

Damage range

Damage was concentrated in the central provinces of Herrera, Coclé, Los Santos and Veraguas, officials said. At least 27 people suffered minor injuries, the National Civil Protection System said.

President Mulino described the situation as a major disaster, saying some roads had completely collapsed.

Among the reported damages:

– Collapsed buildings and roads: Large cracks formed on sections of roads, while some structures were partially or completely damaged in the affected provinces.

– Historic church damaged: San Atanasio Church, a colonial-style Catholic church in Los Santos province, has reportedly collapsed. The church was declared a national cultural heritage in 1938.

– Damage in Penonomé: The cathedral in the city suffered partial collapse and cracks. Damage was also reported at the governor’s office and Hotel Dos Continentes.

– City cut off: Health Minister Fernando Boyd said Tonosí in Los Santos province was cut off due to road damage. Authorities were investigating whether it would be possible to restore access by air.

– Damage to houses: Former president Ricardo Martinelli shared photos showing his house collapsed in the city of Soná, Veraguas province.

Read also | Aftershocks Rock Panama After Biggest Earthquake In Decades