A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake has struck Panama and triggered tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.

The quake hit along the southern coast of the country, the USGS said. It was centered near the southern tip of the Central American country, about 14km (9 miles) south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, the USGS said.

The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama said the quake struck at just before 1pm local time near the southern town of Tonosí. The Panamanian institute said that a second 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck soon after, at 1.22pm.

Local newspaper La Prensa said that across the Central American country, buildings, schools and homes were evacuated as a result of the “powerful movement of the earth”.

Tremors were felt strongly in the capital of Panama City, according to witnesses who spoke to Reuters. The Associated Press reported that buildings shook and visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the quake’s impact.

The USGS said hazardous waves were possible along the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.

The earthquake struck along the southern coast of the country, and tremors were felt strongly in the capital, Panama City. Local authorities and rescue services continue to assess the situation and disseminate information about potential threats.

Tsunami warnings were issued for several countries along the west coast of Central and South America. The USGS warned that hazardous waves were possible along the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.

The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama recorded a second 6.0 magnitude earthquake soon after the main tremor. This information relates to the event that occurred at 1.22pm local time.

According to La Prensa newspaper, buildings, schools and homes were evacuated across the country. These measures were taken due to the “powerful movement of the earth”.

Witnesses who spoke to Reuters said tremors were felt strongly in the capital, Panama City. The Associated Press reported that buildings shook and visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the quake’s impact.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 14km (9 miles) south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba. This was reported by the USGS.

The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama said the earthquake struck near the southern town of Tonosí. The institute also recorded a second 6.0 magnitude earthquake.

Tsunami warnings were issued along the west coast of Central and South America. The USGS noted the possibility of hazardous waves.