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A powerful panama earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude struck off the country's southern coast, prompting tsunami warnings along parts of Central and South America and sending residents rushing out of buildings as authorities assessed the potential impact.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred near the southern tip of Panama, with its epicenter approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba.

The violent tremor put coastal communities across the region on alert, raising concerns about potentially hazardous waves spreading across the Pacific. The earthquake's immediate consequences remained under assessment as reports emerged of evacuations and buildings shaking.

Panama Earthquake Strikes Near Tonosí

The Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama reported that the main earthquake struck shortly before 1 p.m. local time near the southern town of Tonosí.

The seismic activity did not end there. According to the institute, a second earthquake measuring 6.0 magnitude followed at 1:22 p.m., adding to the uncertainty as residents and officials tried to determine the extent of the disruption.

Local newspaper La Prensa reported that the powerful ground movement prompted evacuations across the country. Buildings, schools and homes were emptied as people moved outside, seeking safety while authorities worked to assess the situation.

The sudden shaking transformed ordinary routines into moments of uncertainty, with communities waiting for reliable information about possible damage and further risks.

Tremors Shake Panama City as Residents Seek Safety

Although the earthquake struck off Panama's southern coast, its force was felt strongly in the capital, Panama City, according to witnesses who spoke to Reuters.

The Associated Press reported that buildings shook during the tremor, leaving visibly shaken residents gathered outdoors as they awaited updates on the earthquake's impact.

For people inside offices, homes and schools, the shaking served as an abrupt warning of the power of the seismic event. Evacuations provided an immediate precaution while officials worked to establish the extent of the effects.

Tsunami Threat Raises Alarm Across the Pacific Coast

The USGS warned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible along the coasts of several countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. The areas identified included Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.

The warning raised concerns well beyond Panama's borders, placing communities across a broad stretch of the Americas on alert for potential coastal hazards.

Authorities and residents faced the challenge of monitoring developments as information about the earthquake and its possible consequences continued to emerge. The scale of the seismic event underscored how a powerful undersea or coastal earthquake can generate risks far beyond the location where the ground first moves.

As officials assessed the situation, the key concern remained whether dangerous waves would reach vulnerable coastlines and what precautions might be necessary to protect communities across the region.