Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Hits Southern Panama
A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama, causing strong shaking and prompting emergency responses.
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A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, according to the latest reviewed data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake initially reported as an 8.0 was later revised down to 7.6 after further analysis of seismic data.
Initial Report and Revised Magnitude
The initial estimate, released by automated systems, listed the quake as an M8.0 with a depth of 33 km. However, as human seismologists reviewed the full waveform data from regional ground sensors, they updated the official measurement to a 7.6 magnitude.
Location and Impact
The earthquake occurred at 12:56 p.m. local time (10:56 a.m. PDT) at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (about 6 miles). The epicenter was located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera Province, roughly 207 kilometers (129 miles) south-southwest of Panama City.
Strong shaking was reported across multiple provinces, including Herrera, Los Santos, Veraguas, and Chiriquí. Felt reports extended across the Isthmus of Panama and into southern Costa Rica. Preliminary estimates had listed the magnitude as high as 8.0 with a deeper focus near 33 km, but these were revised downward as more seismic data became available.
Emergency Response and Safety Advisories
Because of the shallow depth, ground shaking was intense near the epicenter. Emergency response agencies deployed teams to assess structural damage, infrastructure, and any potential casualties. Authorities advised residents to remain cautious of aftershocks and secondary hazards such as landslides.
A tsunami threat message was initially issued based on the higher preliminary magnitude, with monitoring continuing for coastal areas of Panama and neighboring countries.
Ongoing Assessments
As of approximately 11:20 a.m. PDT on Friday, comprehensive damage and casualty reports were still being compiled. The situation remains under close watch as officials continue to gather and analyze data from the event.
Source: OANN
