Earthquake in Panama, at least 27 injured and over 400 buildings damaged

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Panama yesterday left at least 27 people lightly injured, while around 300 people were evacuated and more than 400 buildings sustained damage - including 142 homes and 188 schools - although no fatalities have been reported. This is according to the latest assessment by the authorities. "Initial reports indicate damage to homes, schools, hospitals, churches, government buildings, bridges and roads in various provinces of the country. So far no missing persons have been reported," the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) said in a statement. Video: Cathedral bell tower collapses in Penonomé The earthquake, whose epicenter was located near the city of Tonosí, in the southwest of the country, had a magnitude of 7.7 according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), while Panama's Institute of Geosciences (IGC) scaled it down to 7.5, followed by more than 100 aftershocks. According to the report, much of the country was affected to varying degrees. Video: Earthquake interrupts live broadcast, sports commentators flee Part of the house of former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli collapsed due to the earthquake. The home is located in Soná, one of the areas hit by the quake. Martinelli, president from 2009 to 2014, posted images of the damage on social media, showing several floors of the building reduced to rubble, which also fell onto a car parked on the street. According to the former head of state, there were no injuries or fatalities on his property. The quake caused damage to several buildings and led to the temporary suspension of operations at Tocumen International Airport in the capital. The airport subsequently resumed flights after checks on the runways, control tower and facilities, which revealed no problems preventing the resumption of activities. Video: The ground shakes in the city of Tonosí All rights reserved © Copyright ANSA