Earthquake of magnitude 6 to 6.4 strikes Panama, figures vary by source

An earthquake struck Panama on Monday. Reuters, the Associated Press (AP), Anadolu and TASS all reported the quake. They gave its magnitude in a range of 6.0 to 6.4.

According to AP, the earthquake hit southern Panama on Monday evening. AP said there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage.

AP also reported that the quake followed tremors in Panama the previous Friday, which it described as destructive. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi give no magnitude or location for those earlier tremors. They also give no further detail on the damage AP referred to.

What is disputed

The magnitude differs between reports:

• 6.1 (preliminary): AP cited the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for this figure. Anadolu also reported 6.1 but did not name a source.
• 6.4: TASS reported this figure without naming a source.
• 6.0: Reuters cited the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) for this figure.

The reports do not explain why the figures differ. AP described the USGS figure as preliminary.

The reports appear to come from two separate origins. Reuters, Anadolu and TASS share a common news feed. AP, citing the USGS, is a separate origin.

What each side says

• European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre: An earthquake of magnitude 6 struck Panama on Monday, according to Reuters.
• U.S. Geological Survey: A preliminary magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit southern Panama on Monday evening, according to AP.

What is not yet known

The reports do not include the exact epicentre, depth or precise local time of the earthquake. They do not include any statement from Panamanian authorities or Panama's national seismological institute. They do not say whether a tsunami alert was considered or issued. They do not say whether the quake was felt in neighbouring countries. They also do not include follow-up assessments of casualties or damage beyond AP's note that there were no immediate reports.

Analysis

The available reports agree on the core event but leave key details open. The magnitude spread of 6.0 to 6.4 reflects different sources, and two outlets gave no source at all. AP described the USGS figure as preliminary, so it may not be final. The link to Friday's destructive tremors is unclear. The reports do not say whether the two events are related. Damage assessments may change as information from affected areas becomes available. Statements from Panamanian authorities would help clarify the epicentre, the impact and any risk to residents. Until then, the picture remains provisional.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.