Stay away from beaches for now, Sinaproc says
Officials ask coastal residents to take precautions after Friday's earthquake, even though the tsunami threat has passed.
Updated: Fri 9 Oct 2026, 4:45 p.m. Panama (UTC-5)
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said in its final message, at 2:39 p.m. Panama time, that the tsunami threat from Friday's earthquake had passed.
Even so, Sinaproc deputy director Malitzie Rivera said at a press conference that there were reports of the sea pulling back several metres in Chiriquí and Veraguas, and she asked people living on the coast to move to higher ground as a precaution (TVN). Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo asked people to stay away from rivers and beaches (TVN). The U.S. Embassy in Panama's alert also advises staying away from the coast.
What to do
- Stay away from beaches and river mouths for now, and follow Sinaproc and local authorities.
- Emergency numbers: 911. Sinaproc also lists 520-4426, 520-4427 and 520-4429, and a 24-hour WhatsApp, 6998-4809.
- U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy on +507 317-5000 or at Panama-ACS@state.gov.
- Expect aftershocks. If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold on.
Read the full earthquake story
Sources
- Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA) - Final tsunami threat message 4: threat has passed - 9 Oct 2026, 2:39 p.m. Panama
- TVN - Press conference: Sinaproc deputy director Malitzie Rivera on the sea pulling back and moving to higher ground; Minister Dinoska Montalvo on staying away from rivers and beaches - 9 Oct 2026, 3:38 p.m. Panama, updated 4:04 p.m.
- U.S. Embassy in Panama - Natural disaster alert: stay away from the coast, contacts - 9 Oct 2026
- Sinaproc - Emergency lines 520-4426/4427/4429 and WhatsApp 6998-4809 - checked 9 Oct 2026