A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, initially reported as an 8.0, struck off Panama’s southern coast Friday, sending tremors through the capital city and prompting an urgent investigation into a potential tsunami threat. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake’s depth at approximately six miles near Pitaloza Arriba, with a significant 5.5 magnitude aftershock following shortly after. The seismic event was felt as far away as San José, Costa Rica, as tsunami officials issued warnings for possible waves ranging from 3 to 10 feet along Panamanian coastlines and smaller surges for Ecuador and other surrounding nations, though a Pacific-wide tsunami was not anticipated. Earthquakes of this magnitude are known to cause serious damage, and information regarding casualties or destruction from this incident is still being assessed.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
