Strong earthquake shakes Panama and sparks panic in the capital

The earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth of 12 kilometers, meaning its impact is likely to be more severe.

Agence France-Presse journalists observed many people leaving buildings in Panama City, which is about 200 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake.

The US warning system cautioned that tsunami waves could hit coasts in the eastern Pacific, stretching from Mexico to Peru.

The monitoring agency stated that "dangerous tsunami waves resulting from this earthquake could occur within the next three hours" in that region, warning of the possibility of people being swept out to sea or crushed under debris in the water.

For its part, the Panama Canal Authority reported that navigation through the canal, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, was not affected, and that operations are proceeding "normally."

Panama City International Airport, a major hub in the region, was temporarily closed and several flights were diverted to other airports as a precautionary measure, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.

The Ministry of Education also announced the suspension of classes in schools across the country.