Strong and shallow M6.7 earthquake hits south of Panama

panama earthquake m6-8 october 20 2022 f

A strong and shallow earthquake, registered by the USGS as M6.7, hit south of Panama at 11:57 UTC on October 20, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 10 km.

The epicenter was located 62.6 km (38.9 miles) SSW of Boca Chica (population 215) and 84.8 km (52.7 miles) S of David (population 81 957), Panama.

3 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking and 410 000 moderate.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

panama earthquake m6-8 october 20 2022 bg
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 adobe block 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

panama earthquake m6-8 october 20 2022 usgs epe
panama earthquake m6-8 october 20 2022 usgs epet

Selected cities exposed

panama earthquake m6-8 october 20 2022 usgs sce

Regional seismicity

panama earthquake m6-8 october 20 2022 emsc rs

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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