Panama, Colombia: Magnitude 6.6 earthquake strikes far southern Gulf of Darien at around 22:05 EST May 24 /update 1

Event

A severe magnitude-6.6 earthquake occurred in the far southern Gulf of Darien near the Panama-Colombia border at around 22:05 EST May 24. Significant damage and casualties are possible. There is no significant tsunami threat, but there is a small possibility of tsunami waves along the coasts nearest the epicenter, affecting the coasts of far southern Guna Yala Province in Panama and Antioquia, Choco, and Cordoba departments in Colombia.

The epicenter was about 42 km (26 miles) northeast of Puerto Obaldia, Panama. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and strong shaking was probably felt near the epicenter in far southern Guna Yala Province in Panama and far northern Antioquia and far northern Choco departments in Colombia, with moderate to light shaking probably felt throughout eastern Panama and far northwestern Colombia.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Vacate multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Move away from the immediate coastline as a precaution due to the potential for tsunamis.