7.7 magnitude earthquake shakes Panama, sparking tsunami threat in region

A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled Panama on Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System has issued potential tsunami threats in the region, saying "hazardous tsunami waves" are possible in the next few hours along some coasts in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia and Ecuador.

The earthquake struck southern Panama on the Pacific side of the country, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was 12 km west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, Panama.

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Over a dozen aftershocks have been recorded since the earthquake occurred shortly before 1 p.m. local time, according to the Panama president's office.

All administrative offices and schools have suspended operations, the office said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.