Saturday, October 10, 2026 - A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Panama, shaking buildings, damaging roads and forcing residents to flee into the streets as emergency teams respond to the disaster. The earthquake hit on Friday, October 9, 2026, with its epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province, approximately 200 kilometres from Panama City.
The tremor was felt across the country, including in the capital, where office workers and residents rushed out of high-rise buildings in fear. Authorities reported structural damage and injuries, while images from affected areas showed collapsed buildings and damaged roads.
The situation became more concerning when a second powerful earthquake, measuring 6.6 in magnitude, struck later the same day, followed by dozens of aftershocks. Damage was reported in the central provinces of Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas, with historic buildings and homes among the affected structures.
At least 27 people were reported injured, according to Agence France-Presse, although no deaths had been reported in the latest available accounts. A tsunami alert was also issued for parts of the Pacific region before authorities confirmed that the threat had passed. The Panama Canal continued operating, while Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended flights before resuming operations.
Emergency officials are continuing to assess the damage as residents remain concerned about further tremors and the safety of weakened buildings. President José Raúl Mulino has urged the public to remain calm as authorities coordinate emergency responses and inspections. Residents in affected areas should follow official safety instructions, avoid damaged structures and remain alert to aftershock warnings.
Although Panama appears to have avoided a large number of fatalities, the scale of the earthquake and the damage reported make continued monitoring essential. Further assessments will determine the full impact on affected communities, infrastructure and essential services.
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