: A powerful earthquake struck near Panama’s southern coast on Friday, shaking buildings in the capital, Panama City, disrupting electricity supplies in several provinces and prompting the closure of the country’s international airport. Tsunami warnings were also issued for coastal areas across several countries in Central and South America.
 

The earthquake was initially reported at a magnitude of 7.6, although estimates varied across reports. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude of 8.0. Other reports placed the magnitude between 7.5 and 8.0.
 

According to the USGS, the earthquake’s epicentre was near Panama’s southern tip, approximately 10 kilometres southwest of the remote settlement of Pitaloza Arriba. It occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometres.
 

Tsunami warnings issued for several countries
 

The powerful tremor raised concerns about potentially dangerous tsunami waves along coastlines in the region. According to Reuters, warnings or alerts covered coastal areas of Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. Hawaii was also reported to be at risk.
 

The US Geological Survey and tsunami authorities warned that dangerous waves could reach some coastal areas within the following three hours. Authorities urged vigilance as the situation continued to be assessed.
 

Residents leave buildings after strong tremors
 

The earthquake was felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and residents came out of their homes and other buildings onto the streets. People appeared frightened as they waited for information about possible damage.
 

Rosendo Domínguez, a 60-year-old resident of Herrera province, said the tremors were extremely strong. He reported that objects in his kitchen fell to the floor, but he and his family were safe.
 

“We felt the earthquake very strongly. Things in the kitchen fell, but we are fine. However, we are very frightened. Everyone is standing outside, afraid,” he said.
 

Tremors were reportedly felt again for some time after the initial earthquake on Friday.
 

Damage reported in three provinces
 

Omar Smith, an official with Panama’s national civil protection service, said damage had been reported mainly in the provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos.
 

However, he said no damage had been reported in Panama City, which is known for its high-rise buildings. Authorities were assessing possible damage in areas near the earthquake’s epicentre.
 

Electricity supplies were disrupted in several provinces following the tremors, while the country’s international airport was reported to have been closed.
 

Tremors also felt in neighbouring Colombia
 

Local media reported that the earthquake was felt in some parts of neighbouring Colombia. Panama’s national weather service issued tsunami warnings for coastlines in five countries following the earthquake.
 

As of the latest information in the report, there were no confirmed details of the overall loss of life, injuries or the full extent of property damage. Authorities continued to monitor coastal areas for possible tsunami activity, with further information awaited.