An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 was registered on the morning of Monday 10 August in Colombia and felt at different points in Panama City and in Panama Oeste.
According to the preliminary report of the Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama, the earthquake happened at 7:34:29 a.m., local time and had a depth of 76 km.
The epicentre was found in Colombia, about 350 km south-east of Jaqué, Darién province, according to information published by the entity.
The movement was felt by residents of the Panamanian capital, who reported the shaking soon after 7:34 a.m.
The Institute of Geosciences indicated that the data corresponds to a preliminary report, so magnitude, depth and location can be adjusted later after an event analysis.
Omar Smith, director of Sinaproc, stated that they are currently monitoring with different units inside the country to check for areas affected.
Smith called to calm the population and recommended that if they are in high buildings they do not use elevators and get down the stairs.
Social networks also report that in several parts of Panama City, people decided to leave the buildings and stay in the street after fear of aftershocks.
The director of Sinaproc reported that the earthquake was low intensity in most parts of the country and no damage has been reported.
The Colombian Geological Service updated information about the event and established magnitude at 7.4 with a depth of 96 km.
The body located the epicentro 20 km from San José del Palmar, in Chocó, Colombia, and stated that the data are still subject to change.
The Governor of Chocó, Nuba Carolina Córdoba reported that injuries and serious damage to several buildings are reported in the capital Quibdó.
The Minister of Education of Panama, Lucy Molinar, reported that all educational establishments have been put into place with safety measures for the evacuation of pupils and teaching personnel and so far there have been no reports of injuries at educational establishments.
He recalled that there was a drill recently to educate about precautionary measures.
“Keep calm and follow established protocols,” she recommends.
