Panama rocked by 2 powerful earthquakes, multiple aftershocks

A pair of major earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.7 and 6.6 struck Panama on Friday afternoon, bringing down structures in areas close to the epicentre and triggering widespread evacuations, according to reports citing the US Geological Survey.

The tremors were followed by several aftershocks that continued to rattle the Central American nation. The initial strong seismic event occurred at a shallow depth of roughly 10 kilometres, or about six miles, underneath the ground.

Data from the USGS placed the origin of the primary tremor roughly 10 kilometres southwest of the remote settlement of Pitaloza Arriba, situated within Panama's central province of Herrera. Due to the intensity of the event, the ground shaking travelled across national borders and was felt as far away as neighbouring Colombia.

Seismologists initially evaluated the first tremor as a magnitude 8.0 event before adjusting the measurement down to 7.6 and subsequently settling on a magnitude of 7.7.

Across Panama, the powerful jolts prompted emergency evacuations as people rushed out of structures for safety. In the capital, Panama City, frightened residents gathered outdoors in streets and open areas, waiting for further information regarding damage and safety assessments following the disruptions.

Near the central location of the rupture, buildings collapsed under the force of the seismic activity. Authorities and local responders continue to monitor the situation as aftershocks continue to impact the region.