6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Panama, Costa Rica

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on Wednesday afternoon sent tremors around Costa Rica and Panama. However, no immediate reports of damage have been recorded so far after the quake. 

According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was off the coast of Panama and Costa Rica’s shared border. It was recorded at a depth of six miles about 30 miles south of Panama’s Punta de Burica, according to reports from Washington Post.

Even though no tremors were experienced in the capital of Panama, few regions towards the west felt the shock. 

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Washington Post reported a resident of Puerto Armuelles, which is located about 47 miles from the epicenter, saying that soon after he felt the shake the power went out. 

Even though the earthquake’s epicenter was not far from the land, chances of a tsunami are low in the surrounding areas, according to statements from Panama’s civil protection agency and the United States National Tsunami Warning Center, reports from Reuters suggested.

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The National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica, which is headed by Alexander Solis, said “Regarding the earthquake we felt in almost the entire country, we report that we have no damage to public infrastructure or personal injuries. 

Our team continues to monitor the areas where the earthquake this afternoon was perceived. No damage has been reported yet”, according to reports from Reuters.