Powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake hits Panama and triggers tsunami warnings

BREAKING: A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, triggering tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America. Hazardous waves possible in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake has struck Panama, and tsunami warnings are up along the Pacific coast.

The quake hit just before 1pm local time near the southern town of Tonosí, about nine miles from the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, according to the US Geological Survey. Twenty minutes later, a second quake measuring 6.0 followed. Across the country, buildings, schools and homes were evacuated. Tremors were felt strongly in Panama City, where residents gathered in the streets waiting for news.

The warnings stretch far beyond Panama itself. The USGS says hazardous waves are possible along the coasts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. That is seven countries watching the water right now.

There is no confirmed word yet on casualties or major damage. The next few hours will tell us how bad this is.

This is Angel Manalo, reporting for HIT.