Panama Quake Triggers Warnings

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama near Pitaloza Arriba at a shallow depth, after the USGS first estimated it at magnitude 8. The quake damaged or collapsed buildings in central Panama, including structures in Penonomé, and opened road fissures. Officials reported several injuries, but no deaths were confirmed in initial reports. Panama sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a fault and volcano belt where many quakes occur. President José Raúl Mulino urged calm and said the government was sending personnel, resources and aid to affected areas. The shaking reached Panama City and Colombia, and about 4.6 million people felt moderate to severe shaking. More than 45 aftershocks followed. Tsunami warnings were later lifted. The full damage and injury toll remained unclear as authorities assessed affected areas.