Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Panama
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit off the coast of Panama at 20:56 UTC on July 17, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 9.1 km (5.6 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
The epicenter was located about 131 km (81 miles) S of Punta de Burica, Chiriqui, Panama.
There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).
336 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and informal (metal, timber, GI, etc.) construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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