Magnitude 4.8 earthquake rattles Chiriquí; no damage or injuries reported

A moderate earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8 jolted the western Panamanian province of Chiriquí early Thursday morning. The tremor, which occurred at 5:33 a.m. on July 16, was felt strongly in the border area between Panama and Costa Rica. Fortunately, emergency services, including the Fire Department and the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), reported no injuries or significant structural damage.

The Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama later revised the magnitude to 4.7, with the epicenter located 7 kilometers southeast of Progreso, near the Panama-Costa Rica border, at a depth of 7 kilometers. Following the seismic event, authorities reiterated the importance of emergency preparedness for families, emphasizing the need to know and practice safety measures before, during, and after an earthquake, given the region's characteristic seismic activity.

Local geologist Efraín Miranda highlighted a recent increase in micro-seismic activity, particularly along the Paso Canoas, Celmira, and Puerto Armuelles faults, with recorded movements between 1.8 and 3.5 degrees. He called on security agencies to bolster public awareness and prevention efforts. Miranda stressed that the goal is not to instill fear but to promote preparedness, ensuring the public knows how to react to seismic movements. Sinaproc's Mónica Acosta advised maintaining calm, seeking safe shelter, and paying special attention to vulnerable individuals during a tremor, underscoring that home preparation is the first line of defense.