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Football Ferns safe after huge quakes hit Panama

People gather outside shopping mall after an earthquake hit Panama City.

All members of the Football Ferns squad are safe after two 7.7 and 6.6-magnitude quakes struck Panama shortly before 7am (NZT).

The Football Ferns were set to play a two-match series against Panama, with the first game due to kick off on Sunday at 10am.

New Zealand Football released a statement on social media saying players and staff have been accounted for, and that they are navigating the situation alongside organisers.

"New Zealand Football is in contact with local authorities, team management and match organisers and will continue to monitor the situation," it said.

"Should there be any further updates, New Zealand Football will provide them through its official channels."

There was no threat of a tsunami for New Zealand following the quakes.

The US Geological Survey said it struck at a depth of 10 kilometres.

The National Emergency Management Agency said the quake was unlikely to have created a tsunami that could hit New Zealand.

"Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will affect New Zealand," NEMA said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there were 51 New Zealanders registered as being in Panama.

"MFAT has not received any requests for assistance from New Zealanders," it added.

The first quake was centred about 10 kilometres southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, near Panama’s southern tip, the USGS said.

Watch the Football Ferns' two-match series against Panama live and free on TVNZ+

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