On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit the Caribbean near the Panama-Colombia border. The earthquake was felt in both countries and caused some damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and was centered about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of the town of Progreso in Panama. The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake was caused by the movement of the Caribbean Plate, which is moving eastward relative to the South American Plate.
In Panama, the earthquake caused some damage to buildings and infrastructure, including a bridge that connects the towns of Progreso and Volcan. The bridge suffered some cracks and was closed for inspection. There were also reports of landslides and rockfalls in the area.
In Colombia, the earthquake was felt in several cities, including Medellin, Cali, and Bogota. There were no reports of significant damage or injuries in Colombia.
The earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries, including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. In Costa Rica, the earthquake caused some panic among residents, but there were no reports of damage or injuries.
The Caribbean region is prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters due to its location on the boundary between the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate. The region is also at risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and homes.
In recent years, there have been several major earthquakes in the region, including a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010, killing more than 200,000 people and causing widespread destruction. In 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Mexico City, killing more than 300 people and causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
In response to the earthquake in Panama and Colombia, local authorities have urged residents to remain calm and to take precautions to ensure their safety. This includes staying away from damaged buildings and infrastructure, and being prepared for aftershocks.
Overall, the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit the Caribbean near the Panama-Colombia border serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk of natural disasters in the region. While authorities are working to improve infrastructure and disaster preparedness, it is important for residents to remain vigilant and to take steps to protect themselves and their communities.
