A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Panama, forcing evacuations, cutting power across six provinces, and disrupting air travel and public transportation.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba in the Central American nation.
The tremor was felt in the capital, Panama City, prompting the evacuation of numerous residents.
Flights at Tocumen International Airport were suspended, while Metro operations in Panama City were halted.
Employees were sent home early, and classes were suspended nationwide as authorities responded to the quake.
Despite the strong shaking, operations at the Panama Canal remained unaffected.
The vital shipping route lies about 126 miles, or 203 kilometers, from the earthquake’s epicenter.
Data from LSEG Workspace showed around 90 vessels waiting at both ends of the canal to transit or dock.
The USGS estimated that potential economic losses could amount to between one and ten percent of Panama’s gross domestic product.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System confirmed that the tsunami threat had passed, with no further tsunami hazards expected.
Panama is set to conduct a nationwide evacuation drill next Monday to assess the country’s readiness for earthquakes and strengthen emergency preparedness.
(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)
