A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake has struck Panama, triggering tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was centred near the southern tip of the country, approximately 14km (9 miles) south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba.
The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama reported that the initial quake occurred just before 1pm local time near the southern town of Tonosí. A second 6.0 magnitude earthquake followed soon after, at 1.22pm.
Local newspaper La Prensa stated that buildings, schools, and homes across Panama were evacuated due to the "powerful movement of the earth." Witnesses in Panama City told Reuters that tremors were felt strongly, with residents gathering outside buildings, according to the Associated Press.
The USGS indicated that hazardous waves are possible along the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico.