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A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near the Pitaloza Arriba area at Panama's southern tip, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The quake, recorded at a depth of about 10 kilometers, occurred at 12:56 local time and was felt in the capital, Panama City, as well as in parts of other Central American countries and several Colombian cities.

Panama's National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) said no deaths or injuries had been reported in initial assessments. Cracks were found in buildings in the Herrera and Los Santos provinces around the epicenter, while structural damage was reported in Penonome in Cocle province, including at the historic San Juan Bautista Cathedral, the governor's office and other buildings. A tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas along the eastern Pacific.

People across the country evacuated buildings, shopping malls, schools and homes into open areas. In Panama City, metro services were suspended and high-rises emptied, while power and communication outages in some districts prompted infrastructure checks. Authorities said more than 30 aftershocks between magnitude 2.1 and 6 were recorded, with experts warning that further tremors could continue in the coming hours.

President Jose Raul Mulino urged the public to remain calm and said agencies were continuing to share information about the earthquake's effects. He stressed that the event should not be used to spread panic, fear or chaos.

Key Takeaways

• A 7.7 magnitude quake hit near Pitaloza Arriba at about 10 km depth, shaking Panama City and beyond.
• No deaths or injuries reported so far; building damage recorded in Herrera, Los Santos and Cocle provinces.
• Over 30 aftershocks recorded, and a tsunami warning was issued for eastern Pacific coastal areas.