Tsunami warnings across Latin America after 7.7 magnitude earthquake hits

What the report says

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, prompting tsunami warnings across parts of Central and South America, according to Al Jazeera citing Reuters and The Associated Press. The US National Weather Service issued alerts for Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala, while Chile’s naval hydrographic and oceanographic service also said a tsunami warning was in effect.

The US Geological Survey said the quake was centered about 10 kilometers southwest of the remote Pacific coast community of Pitaloza Arriba in Panama’s Herrera province. People in Panama City reported strong shaking, with some residents evacuating buildings and gathering in the streets. Local media footage reportedly showed damage in Penonomé, including the collapse of part of a historic tower and balconies on a residential building.

Panama’s education ministry ordered schools closed as authorities assessed the situation. A resident quoted by The Associated Press described significant shaking and fear but said the household was safe. The report did not provide a final damage tally or casualty count.

The quake adds to a run of major seismic events in the region this year. As a general matter, Pacific coastal areas in the Americas are periodically exposed to earthquake and tsunami risk because of active tectonic boundaries, which is why coastal warnings can be issued quickly after strong offshore tremors.