Panama Earthquake 2026: 7.7-Magnitude Quake Triggers Tsunami Warning

On October 9, 2026, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 hit Panama, causing damage to both structures and roadways, leading President José Raúl Mulino to issue a “disaster declaration.” As per reports from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicentre was located roughly 12 kilometers west southwest of the town of Pitaloza Arriba in the province of Herrera at a depth of 12.6 kilometers. It was also experienced in the country’s capital city, Panama City, where people vacated tall buildings. There was a tsunami warning issued for some areas of the eastern Pacific but was later canceled.

Epicenter and Magnitude of the Earthquake

The USGS had first estimated the magnitude of the earthquake to be 8.0, but later corrected the number to 7.7. According to the reviewed data, the epicenter of the earthquake was about 12 kilometers west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, a settlement in Panama’s Herrera province. It struck at a depth of 12.6 kilometers.

The earthquake lasted for almost a minute, resulting in panic among the residents and evacuation of buildings in Panama City. The USGS stated that the intensity of shaking was significant in the area. There were over 80 aftershocks recorded in Panama by its geosciences institution.

Areas Impacted and Damage Done

Among the most impacted provinces include Herrera, Coclé and Los Santos. Some of the roads have been destroyed or made unpassable, making it difficult for rescue efforts and damage assessments.

According to some reports, the town of Tonosí in Los Santos province is blocked due to destruction of roads. Plans are being made to use airways to access some of the impacted areas. Some of the damages done include destruction of a church and hotel in Penonomé.

President Mulino visited Penonomé to direct emergency response efforts. The authorities are carrying out structural damage assessments and trying to assist the victims. There were no confirmed fatalities at the time.

What Causes Earthquakes in Panama?

Panama is a country that is situated in Central America where several plates interact. The proximity to boundaries of Caribbean, Cocos, Nazca and South American plates results in the occurrence of seismic events in the area.

An earthquake happens when energy accumulated in the fault line gets released into seismic waves moving through the Earth. The intensity of vibration in the specific location depends on the magnitude of the event, depth, distance from the epicenter and the properties of the soil.

Despite the fact that not all territories of Panama are equally affected by earthquakes, it has been proved that the natural phenomenon does take place in the western territories like Chiriquí close to the borders with Costa Rica. It has been seen from the earthquake in October 2026.