On Friday, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake occurred in southern Panama, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event originated at a depth of approximately 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles) in a sparsely populated region, situated roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Panama City. The shaking, which lasted for about a minute, was felt significantly in the capital.

In Panama City, the tremors triggered widespread panic among residents, many of whom evacuated high-rise buildings and took to the streets. While the earthquake caused damage to some structures, the country appears to have avoided catastrophic destruction or loss of life. Eyewitness accounts described the shaking as both strong and prolonged, leading to fear among those in the city's skyscraper district. Emergency services and local authorities have begun assessing the impact, though official reports currently suggest that the damage is limited given the magnitude of the event. The distance between the epicenter and the densely populated capital likely contributed to the lack of severe casualties.