7.7 Earthquake Rocks Southern Panama, Damages Homes and Halts Flights

Southern Panama – (Special Correpondent/Web Desk)  -A strong 7.7 earthquake shook southern Panama on Friday. It damaged homes, cut electricity and stopped flights. Many people ran into the streets as the ground kept moving.

The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at a shallow depth of 12.6 km. It warned that some people may have been hurt. More than a dozen aftershocks followed.

The centre was near La Pitaloza, a quiet rural area in Herrera province. Residents said the shaking felt strong and lasted a long time. In Panama City, one person counted about 40 seconds.

Ricardo Brown, 74, lives in Las Minas with his wife. He said their house has cracked and they fear it may fall. Many older residents were seen crying on television.

Power went out in six provinces, said the electricity company Naturgy. Tocumen International Airport, a busy regional hub, suspended flights. The Metro stopped, and schools closed across the country.

In Penonome, videos checked by Reuters showed a damaged church and collapsed buildings. Officials also reported damage in Chitre and along the coast of Los Santos.

The Panama Canal, about 203 km from the centre, kept working as normal. About 90 ships were waiting to cross or dock.

A tsunami warning was lifted, and no more danger remains. The USGS said losses could reach 1% to 10% of Panama’s economy.

Experts said the Azuero Sona Fault System caused the quake after years of built-up pressure. A national evacuation drill was planned for Monday.