Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Panama, Triggering Pacific Tsunami Warning

A formidable magnitude 7.7 earthquake originating off Panama's coast has caused extensive damage and initiated a tsunami warning for Pacific nations. The seismic event has led to widespread power cuts and substantial infrastructure failures, with buildings reportedly collapsing in numerous localities.

Geological surveys confirm the quake's epicentre was situated 80 kilometres south of David, Panama's third-largest city, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The initial tremor, occurring at 12:47 GMT, was swiftly followed by a series of aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.8 event approximately an hour later.

Reports from the Panamanian civil protection agency confirm extensive damage to residential and commercial properties. Footage circulating online depicts significant structural compromise to multi-storey buildings and public facilities. The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the earthquake as magnitude 7.7, a figure later corroborated by regional seismic monitoring bodies.

The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued an alert for coastal areas of Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, advising residents to seek higher ground. While the full extent of casualties remains unclear, emergency services are deployed across the affected regions, grappling with communication disruptions and impassable roads.