A magnitude 7.6 earthquake has shaken Panama this Friday, October 9, with an epicenter located near the southern tip of the country, according to the first data released by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The preliminary location is approximately 14 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, a community far from the main urban centers of the country. The seismic movement has also been felt in Panama City, where numerous citizens have taken to the streets after noticing how the buildings were shaking.
Where is the epicenter of the earthquake
The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface located directly above the place where the seismic rupture begins. Its location allows identifying the area closest to the origin of the movement, although it does not solely determine where the greatest damage will occur.
In this case, the epicenter initially reported by the USGS is located near Pitaloza Arriba. Scientific agencies can later review the exact position and other parameters as they incorporate new records.
What does a magnitude of 7.6 mean
The magnitude measures the size of the earthquake based on the energy released during the rupture. An earthquake of 7.6 is considered of high energy intensity and can produce significant shaking at considerable distances.
However, the magnitude does not equate to the recorded damages. Depth, distance to populations, type of terrain, and building resilience influence its consequences.
Where the earthquake has been felt
The initial information confirms that the tremor has reached Panama City, where evacuations of buildings have occurred.
To determine the full extent of the movement, it will be necessary to consult the USGS seismic intensity maps and reports from Panamanian authorities. These documents allow distinguishing between the place where the earthquake originated and the areas where the population perceived the shaking.