A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake has struck Panama and triggered tsunami warnings along the western coasts of Central and South America, according to the US Geological Survey. The seismic event hit along the southern coast of the country, with its epicenter located near the southern tip of the nation, about 14 kilometers, or nine miles, southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba.
The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama reported that the tremor occurred just before 1 pm local time near the southern town of TonosΓ. Local media outlet La Prensa noted that schools, homes, and commercial buildings were evacuated nationwide as a consequence of the strong ground shaking.
Tremors were felt forcefully in Panama City, the national capital, according to witnesses who spoke with Reuters. The Associated Press reported that structures swayed and anxious residents flooded the streets outside to await updates regarding the earthquake's potential damage and overall impact.
In the wake of the major seismic activity, the US Geological Survey warned that hazardous tsunami waves are possible along the coastal regions of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico.