Strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama

A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit southern Panama on Friday, according to the US Geological Survey, upgrading an initial magnitude estimate from 7.6.

The quake struck 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba at a depth of 12.6 km (7.8 mi), it said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

There was no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat in effect, according to the US Tsunami Warning Center.

The US Embassy in Panama urged Americans in the area to avoid damaged structures and monitor local emergency broadcasts and official guidance for updates.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he is “closely monitoring reports of the earthquake in southern Panama.”

"The United States stands with the people of Panama. At the request of the Panamanian government, the State Department is rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel to assist," he wrote on US social media platform X.

Tocumen International Airport announced the resumption of flight operations after a temporary pause.

The airport said no damage was reported and commercial areas also resumed activities.

"We ask passengers to check the status of their flights with their airlines and to follow the instructions of airport personnel," it added.

Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority announced on X that it has “activated its regional support and air traffic flow management protocols.”

Under the plan, the Colombian aviation authority enabled seven of its airports to "receive, manage, and organize diverted air traffic."