Panama earthquake: 7.6-magnitude quake sparks tsunami alerts across Central America

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake has struck Panama, triggering tsunami warnings along parts of the Pacific coast of Central and South America.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake hit near Panama’s southern coast, approximately 14 kilometres south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba.

Strong tremors were felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and frightened residents gathered outside while waiting for information about the damage.

Witnesses told Reuters that the shaking was particularly strong in the capital, while the Associated Press reported that residents rushed outdoors following the earthquake.

The USGS warned that potentially hazardous tsunami waves could affect coastal areas across several countries in the region.

These include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.

The warnings raised concerns about possible impacts beyond Panama, with coastal communities across Central and South America facing the threat of dangerous waves.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the full extent of the damage or whether the earthquake has caused any casualties.