Panama City: A powerful earthquake struck Panama on Friday, shaking buildings in the capital, Panama City, and prompting people to rush outdoors amid concerns over possible damage.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured 7.6 in magnitude. Early reports had placed the magnitude at 8.0 before it was revised. The epicentre was located near Pitaloza Arriba in southern Panama, at a relatively shallow depth.
Tremors were also reported in San José, the capital of neighbouring Costa Rica, as the earthquake was felt across parts of the region.
A tsunami alert was issued following the earthquake, with potential threats reported along sections of the Pacific coast of Central America and areas near Colombia and Ecuador.
There were no immediate confirmed reports of casualties or major damage in the initial reports. Authorities were assessing the situation as further details emerged.
