Magnitude 7.6 earthquake — Pitaloza Arriba, Panama
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A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Pitaloza Arriba, 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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Panama is situated in a region of frequent seismic activity, with earthquakes a natural hazard for the country. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake is classified as a major event, capable of causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure across a wide area.
Pitaloza Arriba is located in Panama's interior, and the earthquake struck at a depth of about 10 kilometres, meaning the energy was released relatively close to the surface. The extent of damage to communities depends on factors including how densely populated the area is and the quality of building construction locally.
Earthquakes of this magnitude can trigger secondary hazards such as landslides, and may generate tsunamis if the epicentre is near the coast. The actual impact will depend on the earthquake's specific location and the vulnerability of communities in the affected region.