A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake has struck Panama, triggering tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
The quake was centered near the southern tip of the country, approximately 14 kilometers southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, according to the USGS.
The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama said the earthquake struck at just before 1:00 p.m. local time, near the southern town of TonosÃ. The institute added that a second earthquake, measuring 6.0 in magnitude, followed shortly after at 1:22 p.m.
Buildings, schools, and homes were evacuated across the country following what a local newspaper described as a "powerful movement of the earth."
Tremors were felt strongly in the capital, Panama City, according to witnesses. Reports indicate that buildings shook and visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the quake's impact.
The USGS warned that hazardous waves were possible along the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
