Panama Quake Triggers Warnings

Panamanian authorities counted more than 400 damaged buildings Saturday after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Panama near Tonosí. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the main shock at magnitude 7.7, while Panama’s Institute of Geosciences put it at 7.5. A second strong quake followed, and the aftershock count later rose above 100. Panama lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of faults and volcanoes where many earthquakes occur. President José Raúl Mulino urged calm, warned against spreading alarm, and ordered agencies to mobilize aid. Tsunami alerts were lifted after about 300 coastal residents evacuated. Authorities reported at least 27 injuries and no deaths, with some areas still cut off.