Magnitude-6.3 earthquake hits Panama days after powerful 7.5-magnitude tremor prompted emergency response

Pic/AFP

A magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck Panama, according to a preliminary report from the Geosciences Institute of the University of Panama. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the latest tremor, Xinhua news agency reported.

The epicentre was located 32 kilometres southwest of Soná, in the western province of Veraguas, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The earthquake struck at 6.20 pm local time on Monday (2320 GMT).

Panama records another earthquake

The latest tremor came two days after a magnitude-5.0 earthquake jolted Panama on October 11, according to the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences.

The earlier earthquake occurred at 1711 GMT, with its epicentre initially located at 7.71 degrees north latitude and 81.63 degrees west longitude. It was also recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres.

The latest seismic activity follows a powerful magnitude-7.5 earthquake that struck the country on Friday, prompting authorities to assess damage and coordinate relief operations.

Government declares state of emergency

Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday to coordinate relief efforts and provide assistance to communities affected by Friday's earthquake.

Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac said at a press conference at the presidential palace that the declaration would ensure government agencies remained on standby and had the resources required to help affected residents.

Orillac said President Jose Raul Mulino had ordered the formation of a commission to coordinate relief operations, manage resources and address the needs of affected communities.

Earthquake damages homes and public infrastructure

The magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck at 12.56 pm local time on Friday, with its epicentre located about 39 kilometres northwest of Tonosí in Los Santos province.

The tremor damaged homes, schools, healthcare facilities, roads and public buildings in several parts of the country, according to the report.

Authorities have continued to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate emergency response efforts.

Donation centres set up for affected communities

The government has established donation collection centres to support people affected by the earthquake. One such centre has been set up at Omar Park in Panama City, while provincial government offices are also serving as collection points.

Officials are coordinating the collection and distribution of resources as relief operations continue.

(With inputs from IANS)