No Chinese casualties reported after Panama earthquake

No casualties involving Chinese nationals had been reported as of Saturday night following a powerful earthquake in Panama, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

The spokesperson was responding to media reports that a powerful earthquake and a series of strong aftershocks struck Panama on Friday, damaging buildings and roads and prompting evacuations across the country.

"China expresses sympathies to the Panamanian government and people in the affected region. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties involving Chinese nationals in the earthquake," the spokesperson said in remarks published on the ministry's website.

The Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Panama will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance to Chinese nationals in need, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also urged Chinese nationals in Panama to take precautions against secondary hazards caused by the earthquake.