Panama Hit by 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake as Tsunami Alert Triggers Coastal Evacuations

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Panama on Friday, October 9, 2026, shaking buildings, damaging structures and prompting evacuations.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake occurred at a depth of about 12.6 kilometres, with its epicentre near Pitaloza Arriba in south-central Panama, about 200 kilometres from the capital, Panama City.

The tremor was felt across the country, sending residents and office workers into the streets as buildings shook. Reports indicated damage to homes and public structures, while several aftershocks, including one measuring about magnitude 6.6, followed the initial earthquake.

The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, with authorities initially forecasting waves of up to three metres along parts of Panama’s coastline. Coastal communities were warned to remain alert as emergency agencies monitored the situation. The tsunami threat was later declared to have passed, and the warning was lifted.

Panama’s airport temporarily suspended operations before reopening, while the Panama Canal continued operating normally.

Authorities reported no confirmed fatalities as of Friday evening, although damage assessments and monitoring of aftershocks continued.