Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes southwestern Panama; residents evacuate the capital, airport temporarily closed

[Financial News] A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southwestern Panama on the 9th (local time), prompting residents of the capital, Panama City, to evacuate and temporarily halting operations at the international airport and on the subway.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at around 12:56 p.m. at a point about 14 km southwest of Pitalosa Araba, at Panama’s southern tip. The quake’s depth was 10 km. The USGS revised its initial magnitude estimate of 8.0 down to 7.7, while the University of Panama’s Institute of Geosciences assessed it at magnitude 7.2.
The USGS warned of the possibility of a tsunami in some Central and South American countries, including Panama. Aftershocks continued locally following the powerful quake, and tremors were reportedly detected in Colombia as well.
The Panamanian government suspended afternoon classes and temporarily closed Tocumen International Airport and subway Lines 1 and 2. The Panama Canal was reportedly operating normally.
Some buildings were damaged and power outages occurred in central areas, including Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos. Authorities are investigating further damage, focusing on areas near the epicenter.
[email protected] Lee Jeong-hwa Reporter