Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Off Coast of Panama

The quake was felt in Costa Rica and prompted building evacuations; tsunami warnings were issued across the region.

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 to 7.7 struck near the southern coast of Panama, Maariv and CBS News reported. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor originated at a depth of ten kilometers.

The tremors were felt strongly in the capital Panama City as well as in the capital of neighbouring Costa Rica, prompting residents to flee buildings into the streets, according to The Jerusalem Post. Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued along coastal areas of Central and South America as well as Hawaii.

At this stage, no casualties or immediate damage have been reported, and media outlets noted that no damage was caused to the Panama Canal. Further details have not yet been released.