Earthquake Jolts Panama
Panama has a lot of advantages thanks to its geographical location. Hurricanes are not common in Panama, unlike in other countries on the Pacific. Panama does however get a handful of earthquakes. Last night was one of the bigger earthquakes that Panama has felt in a while.
The quake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, hit at 1:11am on Wednesday. The epicenter was near the Costa Rica/Panama border. The quake was felt throughout much of Panama. Fortunately there was no damage or injuries reported as a result.
Earthquakes are not uncommon in Panama. There are usually a handful of small rumblers every year. Most of these quakes register between 4-6 on the Richter scale. Though Panama has yet to feel a “big one”, some Panama historians are concerned it’s not a matter of “if” but “when”. With the number of high rises being constructed throughout Panama, one has to wonder if these buildings would be able to hold up should a devastating earthquake occur.
In April 1991 a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked Costa Rica and was also felt in Panama. Unfortunately nearly 50 people were killed as a result of that earthquake. The Bocas del Toro province of Panama recorded a number of small tsunamis as a result of that quake.
Did any of you feel the quake early Wednesday morning?
| Written by Rebecca Tyre |  |
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Jeff Corwin in Panama, Hope for the Golden Frog
Filed under: Country Guide, Living & Retirement, News on November 19th, 2008
I felt iti. I was working in Golfito, Costa Rica at the time. It shook me out of bed. Worried about a possible Tsunami I dressed and was ready to run up the ridge. After about a half hour I was almost back asleep, still dressed, and a minor after shock awoke me again. I did not sleep well after that.
Hi i was not here in Panama at that time but they say earthquakes in the future are suposse to be more fierce. since i have been in Panama City looking for work i have not felt any but i do agree looking at the buildings here it makes you wonder how the damage will be if they do get a Great Quake . i hope this never happens. will back to looking for work its hard find work here in Panama when you are from Canada any leads ?
Greg from Canada living in Panama