7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Panama, Damages Buildings

Rescue workers walk past a building damaged by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Panama City, Panama, 09 October 2026.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, damaging buildings and roads, prompting evacuations and triggering tsunami alerts across parts of the Pacific region.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of around 12.6 kilometres, with its epicentre near Pitaloza Arriba, approximately 200 kilometres from Panama City.

The tremor was felt across the country, sending residents rushing out of homes, offices and high-rise buildings. Several structures sustained damage, while reports indicated that sections of roads had collapsed in affected areas.

In Penonomé, buildings housing local government offices and a historic church were damaged. Residents in the southern province of Herrera also reported cracks in homes, raising concerns about the structural safety of affected buildings.

Authorities began assessing the damage as aftershocks continued. More than 40 aftershocks were reported following the initial earthquake, adding to concerns among residents.

The quake initially prompted tsunami alerts for Panama and several other countries along the Pacific coast, including Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. The alerts were subsequently lifted, and no significant tsunami damage was reported.

Despite the powerful tremor, the Panama Canal continued operating normally. Tocumen International Airport also resumed operations after a temporary suspension of flights.

Authorities had reported no deaths during the initial assessments, although damage evaluations were continuing.

The earthquake was linked to seismic activity associated with the Azuero-Soná fault system. Officials urged residents to remain cautious as aftershocks could continue.