Powerful 7.7 earthquake shakes Panama as tsunami warning is lifted

Buildings collapse and residents evacuate after two major earthquakes and dozens of aftershocks; Panama Canal operations continue normally

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, damaging buildings and triggering evacuations across the country, while a tsunami warning issued after the tremor was later lifted. Authorities reported structural damage and injuries, but no deaths had been confirmed by Friday evening as emergency assessments continued.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) located the main earthquake about 12 kilometres west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, at a depth of 12.6 kilometres. The agency initially reported a magnitude of 8.0 before revising the estimate to 7.7. A second major earthquake, measuring magnitude 6.6, followed later the same day.

The Associated Press reported that the successive earthquakes and more than 45 aftershocks prompted evacuations and caused damage in central and southern Panama. The tremors were felt in the capital, Panama City, and as far away as neighbouring Colombia.

Damage was reported in the provinces of Herrera, Coclé, Veraguas and Los Santos. In Penonomé, parts of buildings collapsed, a vehicle was crushed by falling debris and the bell tower of a cathedral was damaged. Reports also described cracks in roads and damage to homes.

Electricity outages affected six provinces, according to Reuters. Thousands of people left office buildings and gathered in streets and open spaces as the shaking spread across the country.

Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended operations before reopening later on Friday. The Panama Canal Authority said the waterway continued to operate normally, while technical teams inspected facilities for possible damage.

The initial earthquake prompted tsunami alerts for parts of the Pacific coast of Central America and South America. The US tsunami warning system subsequently reported that no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat remained in effect for the relevant event.

Authorities had warned of the possibility of hazardous waves along parts of Panama’s southern coast. The lifting of the warning removed the immediate tsunami alert, but it did not eliminate the risks associated with aftershocks, damaged structures and unstable roads.

President José Raúl Mulino said he had ordered government agencies to mobilise personnel and resources to assist affected communities. He also urged residents to remain calm as officials assessed the damage.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring the situation and mobilising resources and personnel to assist at the request of the Panamanian government. The US Embassy in Panama was also assessing potential damage and checking on the welfare of American citizens and personnel.

The earthquake struck a region exposed to significant seismic activity because of the interaction of tectonic plates along the Pacific margin. Panama forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone characterised by earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The immediate priority is to establish the full extent of the damage, account for affected residents and inspect buildings and infrastructure before they are declared safe. With numerous aftershocks following the main tremor, the situation remained subject to further assessment.

Sources: US Geological Survey; Reuters, 9 October 2026; Associated Press, 9 October 2026; US Tsunami Warning System.