Oct. 9 (UPI) — A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the southern region of Panama on Friday, destroying a number of structures and shaking the capital, officials said.

No casualties were reported, but several people sustained minor injuries.

The earthquake struck shortly before 2 p.m. EDT, with its center about 9 miles southwest of Pitazola Arriba, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

In the capital Panama City, photos from the aftermath show several buildings partially collapsed while residents fled to the streets.

Suspension cables along the Panama Canal were seen shaking, but authorities said the canal continued to operate as normal.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said he received offers of aid from several countries in the region.

“I have given the instruction to mobilize 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,” the president said in a statement on X. “The entire government is mobilized to provide responses.”

Mulino urged the population to remain calm.

“What happened should not be used to generate alarms and disorder,” he added.

USGS has reported more than 40 aftershocks with magnitudes as strong as 6.6 in the region.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System warned of possible tsunamis waves, but later canceled the alert.

This is the third major earthquake to hit Latin America this year.

In June, twin earthquakes killed more than 6,500 in Venezuela.

In August, hundreds of people were killed in Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country.