A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake has struck Panama and triggered tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake hit along the southern coast of the country, the USGS said. It was centered near the southern tip of the Central American country, about 14km (9 miles) south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, the USGS said.
The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama said the quake struck at just before 1pm local time near the southern town of Tonosí. The Panamanian institute said that a second 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck soon after, at 1.22pm.
Local newspaper La Prensa said that across the Central American country, buildings, schools and homes were evacuated as a result of the “powerful movement of the earth”.
Tremors were felt strongly in the capital of Panama City, according to witnesses who spoke to Reuters. The Associated Press reported that buildings shook and visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the quake’s impact.
The USGS said hazardous waves were possible along the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.
More details soon …
