The 7.6 magnitude earthquake registered this Friday in Panama has once again brought to the forefront the seismic activity of a country located in one of the geologically most complex regions of Central America.
Although Panama does not record large earthquakes with the same frequency as other territories in the region, its position between several tectonic plates means that there are faults capable of producing significant movements.
Why earthquakes occur in Panama
Panama is located in an interaction zone between the plates of Cocos, Nazca, the Caribbean, and South America. These large structures of the Earth's crust move slowly and accumulate tensions that can be released suddenly.
When a rupture occurs in a fault, the accumulated energy is transmitted through seismic waves that shake the ground.
The complexity of this region implies that not all earthquakes respond to the same geological mechanism. Some are related to the lateral movement of faults, while others occur in areas where one plate is subducting under another.
The Panama fracture zone
One of the most relevant structures is the Panama fracture zone, located in the Pacific Ocean and linked to the contact between the Cocos and Nazca plates.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) identifies this structure as one of the main seismic activity zones in the region.
There are also fault systems and deformation areas in other parts of Panamanian territory, so seismic activity is not limited to a single sector of the country.
To determine which fault has caused the earthquake this Friday, it is necessary to have a specific analysis of the event. The location of the epicenter is not enough to accurately identify the rupture mechanism.
Can there be more earthquakes after the quake?
After a significant earthquake, it is common for aftershocks to be recorded, caused by the readjustment of tensions in nearby faults.
These tremors can continue for days, weeks, or even longer, although their frequency usually decreases progressively.
Science does not allow for the accurate prediction of the time, place, and magnitude of a future earthquake. Specialized agencies can study the evolution of seismic activity and calculate probabilities, but cannot announce with certainty when a new tremor will occur.
Can Panama suffer another major earthquake?
The seismic history of Panama demonstrates that the country is exposed to significant earthquakes. The USGS collects, among other records, the earthquake of 1882, associated with a tsunami that affected the San Blas archipelago, and the earthquake of 1962 in the Panama fracture zone.
These episodes allow for the study of fault behavior, but do not establish a timetable for future earthquakes.
The risk depends both on geological activity and on the exposure of the population, the conditions of buildings, and prevention systems.
Therefore, preparation for earthquakes, seismic monitoring, and compliance with building codes remain fundamental tools to reduce their consequences.