Tocumen Airport closed after 7.7‑Magnitude earthquake in Panama
Written by AI from 5 reports listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Tonosí, leading to the temporary closure of Tocumen Airport, evacuation of staff and passengers, and a diversion of a flight to Cartagena.
Earthquake parameters
The USGS recorded the quake’s epicenter 12 kilometres from Tonosí and 239 kilometres from Panama City. The event was first reported with a magnitude of 7.6 and later updated to 7.7. It was recorded at 12:56 local time (17:56 GMT).
The US tsunami warning system issued a tsunami threat for the Pacific coasts of Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Airport response
Tocumen Airport was temporarily closed and its administrative staff were evacuated. Operations were to resume once safety conditions were verified.
Strong shaking was reported in parts of Panama City, leading to the preventive evacuation of several buildings in the former banking district.
During the earthquake the airport was not functioning and was evacuated.
Passenger impacts
A flight carrying passenger Guillermo Sepúlveda was diverted from Tocumen Airport to Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
Argentine passengers Bruno and Julio Hutka were evacuated to the runway; Bruno remained on the runway for one hour after a second aftershock, while Julio later returned inside the airport.