Powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake hits Panama coast as nine countries issued tsunami warnings

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A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake has struck off the coast of Panama.

There were no immediate reports of damage in Panama, though television footage showed people evacuating buildings.

The quake was felt in the capital of Panama City, as well as the capital of neighbouring Costa Rica, according to witnesses.

Following the quake, the US Tsunami Warning System alerted nine countries to possible coastal tsunami waves.

Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico have all been warned over the threat of tsunami waves within the next three hours.

The system also said ‌there ​was a ‌tsunami ⁠threat to ⁠Hawaii.

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