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Video: Pedro Miguel Fault Awakens: Panama Struck by Tremors - Get the Inside Story on the 6.6 Quake

Updated: Apr 7, 2023

Check out the lights swaying from the quake at time marker 0.28 seconds into the video below:


On April 4th, 2023, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake shook the Pacific coast of Panama, originating 72 kilometers south of Boca Chica in the Chiriqui province. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake's depth at 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) below the earth's surface. Fortunately, no immediate damages or casualties have been reported in the aftermath of the seismic event.


The tremors were not only experienced in Panama but also felt in Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose. The country's national emergency commission has reported no damages in Costa Rica either.


In Panama, the earthquake briefly interrupted a local soccer match when a player fell to the ground as the tremors struck. Television footage captured the moment, showing the ground shaking and stadium lights swaying before the game was paused.



Remarkably, game camera footage managed to capture the earthquake's impact on the surrounding environment, providing invaluable insights for researchers studying seismic activity in the region.


Game Camera Catches the Quake - Credit Youtube - Cornell Lab Bird Cams

See Here:


The U.S. Tsunami Warning System has confirmed that there is no threat of a tsunami following the earthquake.



A Closer Look: The Pedro Miguel Fault

The Pedro Miguel Fault is a significant seismic fault that runs beneath the Panama Canal and near Panama City, which houses approximately 1.2 million of Panama's 3.3 million inhabitants. This fault line has been responsible for several earthquakes in the past, posing a constant threat to the nearby population and infrastructure. With the ever-present risk of seismic activity, experts continue to monitor the fault for signs of increased activity.


Panama Earthquake Facts and History

Panama is no stranger to earthquakes, given its location along the boundary between the Caribbean Plate and the Cocos Plate. The most significant earthquake in Panama's history occurred on September 7, 1882, registering a magnitude of 7.9. The powerful quake led to significant damage and loss of life, particularly in the city of David.


As Panama continues to experience earthquakes, it is crucial for the nation to invest in earthquake-resistant infrastructure and disaster preparedness initiatives to mitigate the potential consequences of such natural disasters.


The 6.6 magnitude earthquake off Panama's Pacific coast serves as a reminder of the region's susceptibility to seismic activity. While no immediate damage has been reported in this instance, the potential threat posed by fault lines such as the Pedro Miguel Fault underscores the importance of continued vigilance and preparation for future seismic events.






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