Strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warnings issued

Washington, Oct 9 (KUNA) — The United States Geological Survey said a strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Panama on Friday, prompting tsunami warnings. The agency, which initially estimated the quake’s magnitude at 8.0 before revising it to 7.6, reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of six miles near the southern coast of the country, which sits on the land bridge connecting North and South America. The quake hit at 1:56 p.m. Eastern Time, near the Petalosa Arriba area in Panama. (End) R.S.R./M.A.H.A.