Panama Shaken by 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake, No Tsunami Threat Reported

Strong undersea quake jolts south of Burica; no casualties reported so far

Naheed Ruham5 hours ago

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Panama Shaken by 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake, No Tsunami Threat Reported

Panama experienced a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake on Monday afternoon, shaking the southern coastline near the Burica region. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake struck at 17:16 GMT, approximately 206 kilometers (128 miles) south of Burica at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

The earthquake, classified as moderate to strong, was felt in parts of Panama and neighboring Costa Rica, though it occurred far from heavily populated urban centers. Early reports from local authorities indicated that there were no immediate casualties or major structural damage.

Emergency response teams are continuing to assess remote areas to ensure there are no delayed reports of injuries or destruction. Residents in coastal towns described feeling the ground tremble but reported no major disruptions.

Tsunami Risk Ruled Out by Experts

Despite the strength of the quake and its offshore epicenter, the US Tsunami Warning System quickly issued a statement ruling out any threat of tsunami activity. “There is currently no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat following the earthquake,” the system said in a public bulletin.

The location and depth of the quake suggest that while the tremor had enough power to be felt across a broad area, it did not displace enough ocean water to trigger a tsunami. Officials advised coastal communities to remain alert but emphasized that no evacuation was necessary.

Panama’s Civil Protection agency echoed the sentiment, confirming that there was no indication of sea level anomalies or tsunami waves in the region. Authorities also urged the public not to panic and to rely on official channels for updates.

Preparedness and Past Seismic Activity

Panama sits along the boundary of the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates, making it vulnerable to occasional seismic activity. Though large quakes are less frequent than in nearby countries like Mexico or Chile, the region remains seismically active.

Monday’s earthquake is one of the most significant in recent months but is not unprecedented. Seismologists note that the depth and location of the quake likely reduced its potential to cause widespread destruction. Nevertheless, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued investment in earthquake preparedness and public awareness.

Panama’s government has repeatedly stressed the importance of building infrastructure capable of withstanding seismic shocks, especially in coastal areas and the capital, Panama City. Schools, hospitals, and high-rise buildings in urban centers are subject to updated safety regulations.

No power outages or communication disruptions were reported following the quake. Authorities say monitoring will continue throughout the day, especially in rural and island regions that may take longer to report any impacts.

While the situation remains stable, officials are urging citizens to review emergency procedures and maintain readiness for aftershocks or future seismic events.