Earthquake strikes Panama

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked Panama yesterday, causing buildings and roads to collapse in the center of the country but no immediate reports of casualties.

Shallow tremor affects 4.5 million

The shallow tremor was felt across the Central American nation of around 4.5 million people, according to the National Civil Protection System.

Panic in Panama City

In Panama City, about 200 kilometres from the epicentre, there were scenes of panic as people rushed to evacuate from the city’s emblematic skyscrapers.

Evacuation stories

Salomon Andion, 46, told AFP after evacuating his 15-story building for the second time following aftershocks, "I was scared because the shaking was very strong and prolonged.

“I was scared because the shaking was very strong and prolonged. Heavy objects like dressers, the bed, and all the kitchen items were shaking”

Bridge and building damage

A video widely shared on social media showed water falling from the rooftop pool of a building that’s over 20 stories tall.

President declares disaster

President Jose Raul Mulino declared a disaster, with the most affected areas being Herrera, Cocle, and Los Santos.

Tsunami warning lifted

A tsunami warming was issued for the eastern Pacific but later lifted.

Panama Canal unaffected

The Panama Canal Authority said shipping through the channel, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, was unaffected and operating "as normal."

“as normal”

Airport closure

Panama City’s international airport, a major hub for the region, was temporarily closed with several flights diverted.