Panama on alert after strong earthquake hits coastline region

By Lucas Berti

Authorities in Panama went on alert this Tuesday after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the Central American nation’s coastal area close to the town of Boca Chica, situated in the touristic gulf province of Chiriquí. As of this afternoon, there were no reports of victims or infrastructural damages. 

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, which monitors regional seismic events, the earthquake’s epicenter was detected about 70 kilometers south of the coastal city, at a depth of 13 kilometers. Footage showed the moment the quake struck the area — a football match between local clubs Atlético Chiquirí and CD Universitario had to be stopped. 

The tremors also raised concerns about a possible tsunami in neighboring countries, such as Colombia and Costa Rica. That possibility, however, was later dismissed by authorities from both countries, backed by information from the U.S. Tsunami Warning System. Panama was hit by a quake of similar magnitude and circumstances last October. This last one was also felt in the Galapagos, a protected island area that belongs to Ecuador.

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