Panama Earthquake 12/08

Very strong dangerous earthquake near the coast of Panama (David)

Last update: December 8, 2014 at 7:18 pm by By

Update 18:57 UTC : Many aftershocks since today’s mainshock. The latest one being a M5.2 (see also seismogram below)

Screen Shot 2014-12-08 at 19.56.00

Update 17:28 UTC : At the time of writing this update we are happy to report that we could not find any damage

Update 09:55 UTC : USGS has decreased the Magnitude from M6.7 to M6.6, depth 18 km Epicenter (luckily) offshore.

Update 09:46 UTC : We like to bring good news too – No electricity outages are being reported, a good sign!

Update 09:35 UTC : The BURICA (peninsula) area might be the hardest hit during this earthquake as a very strong MMI VII shaking is expected there.  Below the expected shaking following the USGS agency.

Screen Shot 2014-12-08 at 10.41.41 Screen Shot 2014-12-08 at 10.41.49

Update 09:35 UTC : Costa Rica authorities are mentioning a maximum shaking of MMI IV = light shaking = probably no damage. Costa Rica seismological agency is reporting a far weaker Magnitude of 6.1 vs M6.7 by USGS

Update 09:34 UTC : The David Fire Department is currently assessing the situation and is looking for eventual damage. We will report if anything is being found.

Update 09:16 UTC : Below the USGS shaking map. Max. expected shaking in the coastal towns MMI VI = strong shaking

Screen Shot 2014-12-08 at 10.21.42

Update 09:16 UTC : GEOFON automatic Focal Mechanism is showing a compression (thrust) type earthquake which means the the main movement will be vertical. The most dangerous earthquakes are lateral movement earthquakes which are called Transform Type earthquakes. The subduction type will weaken the damage outlook considerably.

Screen Shot 2014-12-08 at 10.19.09

Update 09:13 UTC : ER is almost certain that this earthquake will be damaging. The extend of the damage will depend on the earthquake type. It will take another 10 minutes before we are sure about that. We expect the David Panama district to be the hardest hit. Also the coastal area of Costa Rica may get his part of the slight damage.

Update 09:09 UTC : Although local tsunami waves are possible, the PWTC indicates that a Pacific Ocean and US West Coast tsunami is not likely. No alert has been issued for these areas. PWTC text : BASED ON EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION AND HISTORIC TSUNAMI RECORDS    THE EARTHQUAKE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO GENERATE A TSUNAMI.

Update 09:07 UTC : Today’s earthquake is a lot stronger than the M6.0 earthquake from yesterday.

Screen Shot 2014-12-08 at 10.11.31

8km (5mi) ESE of Punta de Burica, Panama
32km (20mi) SSE of Puerto Armuelles, Panama
57km (35mi) SW of Pedregal, Panama
60km (37mi) SSW of La Concepcion, Panama
256km (159mi) SSE of San Jose, Costa Rica

Most important Earthquake Data:

Magnitude : 6.5

Local Time (conversion only below land) : 2014-12-08 03:54:54

GMT/UTC Time : 2014-12-08 08:54:54

Depth (Hypocenter) : 19 km

from:    http://earthquake-report.com/2014/12/08/very-strong-earthquake-panama-costa-rica-border-region-on-december-8-2014/