Panama was rocked Friday by a massive 7.7 earthquake, according to the U.S. Geographical Survey, triggering tsunami warnings for countries in the surrounding region.

The tsunami alerts warned that "hazardous tsunami waves" are possible in the next few hours along some coasts in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru, according to ABC News.

The earthquake struck southern Panama on the Pacific side of the country, and the epicenter was 12 km west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, Panama. 

The U.S. Geographical Survey said aftershocks are possible, including some potentially with strong shaking. Multiple aftershocks have already hit the region, including one that reached 5.8 magnitude. 

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino said he has authorized the mobilization of "personnel, resources, and aid to those affected, as well as the immediate action of all ministries and institutions in the territory in resolution and prevention."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.