Magnitude 4.7 quake shakes Panama City

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake has swayed buildings and prompted evacuations in Panama City.

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake has swayed buildings and prompted evacuations in Panama City. (AAP)

A strongly felt earthquake has swayed skyscrapers in Panama's capital and caused the evacuation of some buildings.

The US Geological Survey gave a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 for the Monday afternoon quake, which was centred 10km deep about 83km southeast of Panama City in the Gulf of Panama.

The shaking set off car alarms and local media said the subway system was halted, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.