7.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Panama, people evacuate buildings as tsunami threat looms over Pacific coast

A strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near the southern coast of Panama on Friday at a 10 km depth, according to the US Geological Survey, which downgraded an earlier estimate of 8.0 magnitude.

There were no immediate reports of damage in Panama, while television footage showed people evacuating buildings.

The US Tsunami Warning System showed potential tsunami threats across much of Central America's Pacific coast as well as in Colombia and Ecuador.


The quake was felt in the capital of Panama City as well as in the capital of neighboring Costa Rica, according to Reuters witnesses.