A magnitude 7.6 earthquake shakes Panama, USGS reports

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Panama on Friday morning, shaking buildings as far away as the capital and prompting evacuations, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake was centered about 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, near Panamas southern tip, the USGS said. It struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).

Tremors were felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and people evacuated into the streets. Visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the quakes impact.

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We felt it very strongly. It knocked things over in the kitchen, but were okay, though were very scared," Rosendo Domnguez, 60, who is from Herrera province, where the earthquake struck, told The Associated Press by phone. Everyone is outside, scared.

The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning Friday for the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala.

Local media reported that the quake was also felt in parts of neighboring Colombia. Panama's Civil Protection said it was investigating possible damage in regions near where the earthquake took place.