Panama Responds After 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Country

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Oct. 9, damaging buildings, prompting evacuations and triggering tsunami concerns across parts of the Pacific region, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and emergency officials. The quake's epicenter was 12 km west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba.

The USGS initially reported a magnitude 8.0 before revising the preliminary measurement to 7.7. The agency recorded multiple aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.6 quake near Rio Grande township and a magnitude 5.8 quake near El Cacao.

Photos and videos reviewed by ABC News showed collapsed buildings, damaged vehicles and debris in streets, while authorities reported no immediate fatalities. Panama's president office said schools and administrative offices suspended operations after the earthquake.

Panama President José Raúl Mulino said the entire government was mobilized to respond and coordinate assistance for affected areas. He also said officials were evaluating the situation and preparing further updates.

"I’ve given instructions to mobilize personnel, resources and help to those affected," said José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama.

Mulino said he would take part directly in coordination efforts and urged residents to remain calm as agencies assessed the impact.

"The whole government is mobilizing to give a response," said José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama.

"I will personally participate in the actions and coordination in the areas most affected," said José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama said it was checking possible damage and accounting for visitors and U.S. personnel. The embassy also advised American citizens to monitor official updates.

"assessing potential damage" said the U.S. Embassy in Panama in a statement.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring developments and preparing assistance after Panama requested support.

"closely monitoring the situation" said Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State.

"is rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel to assist" said Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State.

Rubio also described the U.S. position on supporting Panama after the earthquake. The State Department activated assistance measures following the request from Panamanian authorities.

"The United States stands with the people of Panama," said Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State.

"At the request of the Panamanian government, the State Department is rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel to assist," said Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System initially identified possible tsunami hazards for Panama and several countries along the Pacific coast. The warning later subsided after the initial assessment.

"hazardous tsunami waves" described the possible coastal impact in an alert from the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.

A 10-member Los Angeles County Fire Department International Urban Search and Rescue support team, known as USA-02, left for Panama after being activated by the U.S. State Department. The team included rescue specialists, structural experts and a medical doctor.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department also placed its 79-member international USAR Heavy Rescue Team on alert for possible deployment. The Panama Canal Authority reported that canal operations continued normally after the earthquake.