Magnitude 5.5 earthquake — Bajo Corral, Panama
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Bajo Corral, Panama at a depth of about 10 km. Details, shaking intensity and any tsunami information are on the USGS event page.
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Earthquakes are sudden movements of the Earth's crust that release energy and create seismic waves. They occur when tectonic plates, which make up the Earth's outer layer, shift or collide. Depending on their magnitude and location, earthquakes can cause significant damage and affect thousands of people.
Panama is located in Central America and sits on the boundary between several tectonic plates, making it geologically active. The country has experienced earthquakes before, as it is positioned where the Caribbean Plate and Cocos Plate meet. This region is known for seismic activity, though major damaging earthquakes are relatively infrequent.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake is considered moderate in strength. Earthquakes at this magnitude can cause noticeable shaking and potentially damage buildings, though the extent depends on factors like the depth of the quake, the distance from populated areas, and local building standards. The depth of this quake, about ten kilometres down, affects how the energy spreads and impacts the surface.