A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck approximately 123 kilometers south-southeast of Burica, Panama, on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 14:50:51 GMT. The epicenter was located at coordinates 7.0362 degrees north latitude and 82.3721 degrees west longitude, with a depth of 10 kilometers 1 2.
Impact and Shaking
The earthquake caused significant shaking in parts of Panama and neighboring Costa Rica, although local authorities did not immediately report any major damages 2. A video shared on social media showed heavy shaking of suitcases in a room in Burica, a town on the southern end of Panama's shared border with Costa Rica, which is about 123 kilometers from the epicenter 2.
Emergency Response and Humanitarian Challenges
Emergency response teams were quickly deployed to assess the situation and provide assistance if needed. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake did not trigger a tsunami, alleviating some immediate concerns about widespread coastal damage 2. However, the shallow depth of the earthquake (10 km) means that it could have caused more localized but potentially severe impacts on infrastructure and buildings in the affected areas.
Infrastructure and Potential Damage
While initial reports suggest minimal immediate damage, the earthquake's magnitude and shallow depth mean that there is a risk of structural damage to buildings and infrastructure. The region's emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to any emerging needs. The Green Earthquake Alert System (GDACS) has assessed the humanitarian impact of the earthquake as low, given the magnitude and affected population's vulnerability 3.
Public Awareness and Preparedness
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in regions prone to seismic activity. Residents and visitors in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow local guidelines for emergency procedures. The lack of immediate reports of major damage is a positive sign, but ongoing monitoring is crucial to ensure that no hidden dangers are overlooked.
