A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, 9 October 2026, causing damage to buildings and triggering a wide-ranging tsunami warning for neighbouring countries. The US Geological Survey reported that approximately 4.6 million people experienced moderate to severe shaking, with the effects of the disaster likely to be widespread.
The quake occurred just before 15:00 local time (18:00 GMT) with its epicentre located about 6.2 miles (10km) from Pitaloza Arriba in south-central Panama. The US Tsunami Warning System indicated that tsunamis could be triggered in Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, and Mexico. A series of shallow aftershocks followed the main quake, which was registered at a depth of 12km.
Unverified footage shared online appears to show collapsed buildings in Penonomé and Soná. While many people were evacuated from buildings in Panama City, located about 200km (124 miles) away, the full extent of the damage and any casualties are not yet clear.