Powerful earthquake shakes Panama

CNN

By Michael Rios, CNN

(CNN) — A major earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 has struck southern Panama, according to the US Geological Survey.

Several people have suffered minor injuries but so far there are no reports of fatalities, officials said.

The USGS had said some casualties were possible and extensive damage was probable.

Footage verified by CNN shows several damaged buildings in Penonome, some 70 miles from the epicenter. One video shows a church with a partially collapsed steeple and another building with a crumbled facade.

In the popular resort town Playa Venao, a multi-story building collapsed and crushed several cars beneath it.

Along the Panama Canal, the Centennial Bridge’s suspension cables were seen shaking as vehicles drove through.

The canal’s authority said operations were continuing as normal and that staff were inspecting facilities for potential damage.

Panama City’s public transit system has suspended service on two metro lines and evacuated passengers from some stations.

The Education Ministry has canceled classes nationwide for the rest of the day.

Panama’s main international airport has been temporarily closed as a precaution and flights have been diverted to other airports, the civil aviation authority said.

The water and sewage institute has reported interruptions at several water treatment plants due to power outages caused by the quake.

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has called for calm and instructed the minister of government to provide information on the earthquake’s effects. He has also mobilized resources to those affected.

Officials have reported more than 40 aftershocks, including one with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, according to USGS.

Earlier, the US Tsunami Warning System warned of possible tsunami waves along some coasts before saying there was no longer a threat.

This is the latest powerful earthquake to have struck Latin America this year. Over the summer, Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes that killed more than 6,400 people, while Colombia suffered a tremor that left around 300 dead.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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