A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake off Panama’s Pacific coast has raised concerns about a possible tsunami across the Pacific Ocean, including whether island nations such as Tonga could be affected.
The earthquake, initially reported at magnitude 8.0, triggered tsunami warnings in parts of Central and South America and prompted New Zealand authorities to assess whether potentially dangerous waves could travel across the Pacific.
The quake struck southern Panama at 6.56am New Zealand time on Saturday, at a depth of approximately 33 kilometres.
Its magnitude was initially downgraded from 8.0 to 7.6 before being revised to 7.7.
New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and GNS Science initially announced they were assessing whether the earthquake had generated a tsunami capable of reaching New Zealand.
However, approximately 30 minutes later, the authorities indicated that the risk appeared low.
“Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will affect New Zealand,” NEMA said.
Tonga Meteorological Services (Tonga Met) has yet to release a statement on the powerful earthquake or clarify whether it poses any tsunami threat to the Kingdom.
Tonga’s vulnerability to tsunamis
Tonga experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its recent history following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcano on January 15, 2022.
The eruption generated a powerful tsunami that struck coastal communities, destroyed homes and infrastructure, and claimed lives.
The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of Tonga’s low-lying coastal settlements and the importance of timely tsunami warnings and evacuation procedures.
Warnings across Central America
Reuters reported that there were no immediate reports of significant damage in Panama following the earthquake.
However, television footage showed people evacuating buildings as authorities assessed the situation.
The earthquake was felt in Panama’s capital and neighbouring Costa Rica.
