Magnitude 7.7 earthquake rocks Panama creating tsunami threat
Widespread tsunami waves are possible along the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.
Buildings shook and residents rushed outside as a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Panama City, Panama, on Oct. 9.
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 struck Panama early Friday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey.
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Pitaloza Arriba, Panama on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
The earthquake occurred at 12:56 p.m. local time Friday, Oct. 9, or 1:56 p.m. EDT. Its epicenter was about 9 miles southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, with a depth of approximately 20.5 miles, according to the agency’s initial listing. The earthquake was first recorded as an 8.0 but later updated to a 7.7, according to the USGS.
Shaking was felt in Panama City where people rushed outside after the quake.
A nurse speaks on her mobile phone outside the maternity ward of the Santo Tomas hospital, following a severe earthquake hit the country, in Panama City on October 9, 2026. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP via Getty Images)
The extent of damage and any injuries were not immediately confirmed.
The National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said based on the preliminary earthquake, widespread tsunami waves are possible along the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.
The magnitude and location are preliminary and could change as scientists review additional seismic data.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
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