7.7 magnitude earthquake shakes Panama
A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled Panama on Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Photos and videos showed collapsed buildings, damaged vehicles, debris on the streets and residents evacuating. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The earthquake struck southern Panama on the Pacific side of the country, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was 12 km west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, Panama.
Over a dozen aftershocks were recorded since the earthquake occurred shortly before 1 p.m. local time, according to the Panama president's office.
Among the powerful aftershocks were a 6.6 magnitude quake near the Rio Grande township and a 5.8 magnitude near El Cacao, according to the USGS.
All administrative offices and schools have suspended operations, the president's office said.
Panama's National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) told ABC News that it is not considering asking for international help at this time but is still evaluating the damage and could revaluate if necessary.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was closely monitoring reports of the earthquake.
"The United States stands with the people of Panama," he said. "At the request of the Panamanian government, the State Department is rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel to assist."
Initially the U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued potential tsunami threats in the region, saying "hazardous tsunami waves" were possible along some coasts in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia and Ecuador. But the threat later subsided.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
