Earthquake in Panama and tsunami warning

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Panama has triggered tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The earthquake in Panama hit along the southern coast of the country, with an epicenter, about 14km (9 miles) south-west of the community of Pitaloza Arriba, the USGS said.

The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama said the quake struck at just before 1pm local time near the southern town of Tonosí. It was felt throughout the country. The Panamanian institute said that a second 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck soon after, at 1.22pm.

By 1.3opm there had reportedly been 13 aftershocks.

The president, José Raúl Mulino, said he had asked a key minister to call for calm. “What happened should not be used to generate alarm and disorder,” Mulino wrote on X.

Local newspaper La Prensa said that across the Central American country, buildings, schools and homes were evacuated. Air travel has also been disrupted.

Footage published by La Prensa showed severe damage to several buildings in the city of Penonomé, including the St John Baptist Cathedral. Other photos showed a highway to the west of the capital that had been completely cut in half by the earthquake.

in Coronado, tiles fell from the super 99 plaza damaging cars, no injuries have been reported.

Tremors were felt strongly ​in the ⁠capital of ⁠Panama ​City, ‌and Coronado according ‌to ‌witnesses. The Associated Press reported that buildings shook and visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the impact.

The USGS said hazardous waves were possible along the coasts of Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.