Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits south of Panama
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit south of Panama at 22:18 UTC on April 4, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 12 km (7.4 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
The epicenter was located 71.8 km (44.6 miles) S of Boca Chica (population 215), 89.1 km (55.4 miles) S of Pedregal (population 17 427), and 94.4 km (58.7 miles) S of Las Lomas (population 11 726), Chiriquí, Panama.
54 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 1 265 000 light.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, PTWC said.
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
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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