A powerful Panama earthquake struck on Friday, October 9, 2026, damaging buildings and disrupting transport across several provinces. A second strong quake and numerous aftershocks followed. Authorities reported injuries but no confirmed deaths as inspections continued.

Saturday, October 10, 2026

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, October 9, 2026, damaging buildings, disrupting transportation and forcing residents into the streets. Authorities reported several injuries but no confirmed deaths in initial assessments.

Earthquake strikes southern Panama

The earthquake occurred at approximately 12:56 p.m. local time (1:56 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time), near Pitaloza Arriba in southern Panama.

The US Geological Survey recorded a depth of approximately 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles). Strong shaking reached Panama City, roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the epicenter.

A second powerful earthquake, reported at magnitude 6.6, and dozens of aftershocks followed, prompting warnings about unstable structures.

Buildings damaged across central Panama

Structural damage was reported in several provinces, including Herrera, Veraguas, Los Santos and Coclé.

In Penonomé, buildings sustained damage, while reports also described damage to historic religious structures elsewhere in the affected region.

President José Raúl Mulino called for calm as government agencies coordinated emergency response and damage assessments.

Panama airport and public transport disrupted

Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended operations before resuming flights. Panama City's metro services were also disrupted as passengers evacuated stations.

Power interruptions affected several provinces, while emergency crews assessed roads and public infrastructure.

The Panama Canal remained operational despite the strong shaking, and authorities conducted precautionary infrastructure inspections.

Tsunami alert lifted as aftershocks continue

An initial tsunami warning prompted concern along Pacific coastal areas before authorities lifted the alert.

The earthquake struck a seismically active region associated with tectonic movements along Panama's Pacific side.

With aftershocks continuing, emergency officials remained focused on identifying structural damage, restoring affected services and determining the full extent of losses.