Powerful 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Panama — No Deaths Reported as Strong Aftershocks Continue

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake has struck Panama, shaking a wide area of the country and triggering a series of strong aftershocks.

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the main earthquake at 17:56 UTC on 9 October 2026, around 12 kilometres west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba in southern Panama, at a shallow depth of about 12.6 kilometres.

No confirmed deaths or injuries so far

Despite the strength of the earthquake, early reports suggest Panama has so far avoided a major loss of life.

Reuters reported that authorities had not confirmed any deaths or injuries at the time of its latest update.

There were, however, reports of structural damage in some areas, including collapsed structures and damage to a church in Penonomé. Power outages were also reported across several provinces.

Residents and office workers in Panama City felt strong shaking, with some buildings evacuated as a precaution.

Source: Reuters — strong earthquake felt across Panama.

USGS recorded violent shaking near the epicentre

The USGS lists the main shock as magnitude 7.7, with estimated maximum shaking intensity reaching MMI IX — “Violent” near the hardest-hit area.

The agency issued a red PAGER alert for the event. PAGER is an automated system that estimates possible population exposure and economic impact; it is not the same as a confirmed on-the-ground damage assessment.

Official source: U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program.

Strong aftershocks followed

The main earthquake was followed by numerous aftershocks.

USGS data show a magnitude 5.8 earthquake near El Cacao less than an hour later, followed by a magnitude 6.6 event west of Río Grande several hours after the main shock.

Reuters reported more than 40 aftershocks had been detected as authorities continued assessing the situation.

Further aftershocks are possible, and some may be strong enough to cause additional damage to already weakened structures.

No tsunami threat remains in effect

NOAA’s U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued information statements following the earthquake but currently shows no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat in effect.

Official source: U.S. Tsunami Warning System.

Panama Canal and major transport infrastructure remain operational

Early reports indicate the earthquake did not shut Panama’s most important national infrastructure.

Reuters reported that the Panama Canal remained operational, as did Tocumen International Airport and the Cobre Panamá copper mine.

That is economically significant because the canal is one of the world’s most important shipping routes and any prolonged disruption could affect global freight movements.

Why Panama can experience powerful earthquakes

Panama sits in a complex tectonic region where several plates and fault systems interact.

The country is less frequently associated with major earthquakes than some parts of Central America, but strong seismic events can still occur, particularly along the Pacific side.

Reuters cited scientists linking the latest event to pressure buildup in the Azuero-Soná fault system.

Authorities had already been preparing a national emergency drill

The earthquake comes only days before Panama’s planned national evacuation drill on 12 October.

Panama’s civil-protection agency SINAPROC announced earlier this week that public agencies, emergency services, schools, private companies and community groups were preparing for the country’s third national evacuation exercise.

Official source: SINAPROC — Panama national emergency drill.

What people in affected areas should do

People in areas that experienced strong shaking should remain alert for aftershocks and follow instructions from Panamanian authorities.

General earthquake-safety guidance includes avoiding visibly damaged buildings, checking for gas or electrical hazards where safe to do so, keeping emergency communications available and staying clear of unstable walls or structures.

Travellers should also check directly with airlines, hotels, tour operators and local authorities before making assumptions about cancellations or disruptions.

The bottom line

Panama has experienced a major earthquake — one of the strongest to strike the country in recent years — but early information suggests the country has so far avoided catastrophic destruction.

The main risks now are continuing aftershocks, local structural damage and disruption to power or services in affected provinces.

The absence of a tsunami threat and the continued operation of the Panama Canal, Tocumen airport and other major infrastructure are encouraging signs, but damage assessments are still developing and the situation may change as authorities inspect more remote communities.

Important disclaimer

This article is provided for general news and informational purposes only. It does not constitute emergency, travel, safety, engineering, medical, legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for official emergency instructions.

Earthquake magnitudes, damage assessments, aftershock counts, travel disruptions and casualty figures can change as new information becomes available. People in affected areas should follow instructions from Panama’s emergency authorities, local government, police, emergency services and recognised seismic or tsunami agencies.

Travellers should verify current conditions with airlines, accommodation providers, travel insurers and government travel-advice services before making decisions. See the NextNews disclaimer for further information.