5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes in Panama

By Daniel Distant, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, April 02, 2014

A massive tsunami sweeps in to engulf a residential area after a powerful earthquake in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan, on March 11, 2011. (Reuters/KYODO) | (Photo: Reuters)

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Panama Wednesday morning at 11:13 a.m. local time, according to reports. The large quake took place close to the Costa Rican border, but there haven't been any reports yet of geological damage, injuries or structural damage to property.

The 5.8-magnitude earthquake in Panama occurred 37 miles south of David and about 33 miles from Pedregal in the Gulf of Chiriqui according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Initially the organization believed the quake to have a magnitude of 6.2 with a depth of 17 miles, but the scale was later revised.

So far no tsunami warnings have been issued, according to NBC News.

The moderate earthquake in Panama pales in comparison to the 8.2-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of northern Chile Tuesday night. The powerful earthquake caused a tsunami, killed six people, and caused structural damage. It also resulted in a number of less powerful aftershocks, though the earthquake in Panama is not one of them.