PanExpats
Sign Up

Strong earthquake shakes Panama

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake, according to the US Geological Survey, struck the Azuero area at 12:56 p.m. on Friday. Panama's Instituto de Geociencias puts it at 7.2. Strong aftershocks have followed, including one of magnitude 6.6 to 6.9 at 3:25 p.m., and damage has been reported in Coclé, Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos. Sinaproc says no deaths had been confirmed by its latest report, though some people were injured. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says the tsunami threat has passed.

Updated: Saturday 10 October 2026, 3:00 p.m. Panama (UTC-5)

Update, Saturday 10 October: The Cabinet declared a state of emergency. Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac said it allows up to $100 million for the response, with 27 people injured and no deaths in the official tally (Telemetro).

A strong earthquake shook Panama at 12:56 p.m. on Friday 9 October. The US Geological Survey (USGS) now measures it at magnitude 7.7, centred about 12 km west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, at a depth of about 13 km. Panama's Instituto de Geociencias at the Universidad de Panamá (IGC-UP) gave a revised magnitude of 7.2, located 39 km northwest of Tonosí, Los Santos, at a depth of 4 km.

Early figures moved quickly. The USGS first posted a preliminary 8.0, then 7.6, and has since revised it to 7.7. IGC-UP first reported 7.0 before revising to 7.2. Some outlets in Colombia have cited the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) with figures of 7.3 or 8.0. The USGS and IGC-UP readings above are the latest from the two agencies.

The shaking was felt in Panama City, according to Reuters witnesses, and in several provinces, TVN reported. Telemetro reported that several buildings on Avenida 12 de Octubre in the capital were evacuated.

Strong aftershocks have followed. The strongest so far struck at 3:25 p.m.: the USGS measured it at magnitude 6.6, about 14 km west of Río Grande, and IGC-UP at 6.9, about 25 km east of Coiba island. As of 4:36 p.m., the USGS catalogue listed ten aftershocks of magnitude 4.7 or more, seven of them 5.0 or above, and no new aftershock of magnitude 6 or more since 3:25 p.m. IGC-UP director Néstor Luque told Telemetro that there had been about 86 aftershocks, all smaller than the main quake, as blocks around the Azuero-Soná fault system settle. IGC-UP also reports individual aftershocks of magnitude 5.0 or more on its official account. The two agencies count differently and often give different figures for the same aftershock. Sinaproc director Omar Smith said more aftershocks are likely and should ease over time (Telemetro).

The USGS automatic impact estimate (PAGER) has issued a red alert for economic losses. It says extensive damage is probable and the disaster is likely widespread, with estimated losses of 1% to 10% of Panama's GDP. It gives a yellow alert for deaths from shaking, meaning some casualties are possible. The USGS estimates that about 4.6 million people felt moderate to severe shaking. These are model estimates, not counts of damage or victims.

Tsunami: warning center says threat has passed

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said in its final message, at 2:39 p.m. Panama time, that based on all available data the tsunami threat from this earthquake has passed and there is no longer a tsunami threat. It advised people to stay observant and take normal care near the sea, and said minor sea-level changes may occur on some coasts near the earthquake over the next few hours. We have not found any report of observed tsunami waves in Panama.

Before that, the PTWC's second and third messages, at 1:31 p.m. and 1:51 p.m., had forecast possible waves of 1 to 3 metres above the tide level along some coasts of Panama. Sinaproc director Omar Smith told Telemetro earlier in the afternoon that because the quake was on land, a tsunami was possibly not expected. At a later press conference, Sinaproc deputy director Malitzie Rivera said there were reports of the sea pulling back several metres in parts of Chiriquí and Veraguas, and that authorities were monitoring the coast. She advised people in coastal areas to watch the sea and move to higher ground as a precaution (TVN). As of 4:40 p.m., we had not found a Sinaproc statement giving an all-clear for the coast.

If you are on the coast, stay away from beaches and river mouths for the rest of the day, as Sinaproc and the Government Minister have advised, and follow local authorities.

Damage, injuries and services

  • Damage and casualties: Sinaproc deputy director Malitzie Rivera said no deaths had been confirmed at the time of her report, but some injured people had been taken to health centres and hospitals. She gave no number (TVN). TVN reported that Coclé, Veraguas and Los Santos are among the hardest-hit provinces. Rivera said possible damage to homes and changes in sea level were being assessed on the islands of Tocué and Isla Cañas, and that fire service buildings in Los Santos were damaged. Sinaproc director Omar Smith said earlier that damage had been reported in Herrera and Los Santos, including Playa Venado and Chitré (Telemetro). In Soná, Veraguas, Telemetro reported that a church collapsed and that a man trapped under the rubble was rescued and taken to hospital. There were 27 injured and no deaths in the official tally (Saturday), as our state-of-emergency story reports. As of 4:40 p.m. we had not seen an announcement of shelters.
  • Health: the Social Security Fund (CSS) said it is adding staff to its emergency services. In a post the CSS shared at 3:30 p.m., CSS director Dino Mon said outpatient appointments are suspended, that no injured people had been reported at that point, and that staff had treated people for anxiety attacks. Earlier, the CSS said no patients, users or staff had been reported affected at its health facilities, and that possible damage to some structures was being checked. Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo said MINSA was meeting all its regional directors at 5 p.m. to gather information from each area (Telemetro). As of 4:40 p.m., MINSA had not published injury figures.
  • Government: President José Raúl Mulino said he has ordered staff, resources and aid to be sent to those affected, and all ministries and institutions to act on the ground, and that he will personally take part in coordination in the hardest-hit areas. At a press conference with Sinaproc, Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo described the situation as complex. She advised people to stay outside buildings, away from rivers and beaches, and above all to stay calm. She said the Centenario Bridge was being inspected, which caused traffic jams in the capital. TVN reported that the bridge was still open when she spoke, and Montalvo said any restrictions would depend on the inspection results. On Saturday 10 October the Cabinet declared a state of emergency (Panama declares a state of emergency after the quake).
  • Sinaproc: in an official statement, Sinaproc asked people to stay calm, avoid spreading rumours or unconfirmed information, follow safety protocols, keep away from structures with visible damage and report any risk to the authorities. It said it is monitoring the situation with the security and emergency services.
  • Power: the transmission company ETESA said the national transmission grid is stable and service continues nationwide, while it runs a full check of the national grid. The distributor ENSA said the 17 circuits first affected in Colón have been restored, and crews are still working to restore supply in Costa Abajo de Colón. Sinaproc's Rivera said power was cut for about 30 minutes in parts of the central provinces, which made communications difficult (TVN).
  • Schools: the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) closed afternoon-shift schools nationwide on Friday. For the latest on classes, see our Metro, Tocumen and schools update.
  • Transport and business: Panama Metro temporarily suspended service as a safety measure, and the Colón Free Zone asked businesses to suspend activity temporarily because of possible aftershocks, Telemetro reported. The motorway operator ENA made the Corredores toll roads free until midnight to help ease congestion, La Prensa reported.
  • Airports: Tocumen International Airport said it suspended flight operations and temporarily closed the airport as a precaution, with a preventive evacuation of passengers, and that it will reopen once the airport and the control tower service have been checked. The Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) said flights bound for Tocumen, including several Copa Airlines flights, were diverted to alternate airports such as Cartagena and Barranquilla in Colombia. It said fire and rescue crews are inspecting the runway and terminal, and these checks must be repeated after aftershocks. Airports run by the AAC are restoring service gradually. La Prensa reported that the AAC listed eight Copa flights sent to Cartagena and Barranquilla and two more heading to other alternate airports. For the latest on flights, see our Metro, Tocumen and schools update. If you are flying, check with your airline before going to the airport.
  • Water: Sinaproc's Rivera said several water treatment plants have damage to their infrastructure and that IDAAN's Chilibre plant is working at 20% of capacity, which could cause supply problems while checks continue (TVN). Comptroller General Anel Flores said drinking water service is being restored gradually, in coordination with IDAAN (La Prensa). As of 4:40 p.m., we had not found a statement from IDAAN itself. Consider storing some water.
  • Canal: the Panama Canal has activated its emergency protocols, is inspecting its facilities and continues to operate, TVN and La Prensa reported.
  • Monday's national drill: Sinaproc has suspended the Third National Evacuation Drill set for Monday 12 October at 10 a.m., until further notice (Eco TV, Panamá América).

We will update this story as officials report.

What to do now

  • Expect aftershocks. If you feel shaking: drop, cover and hold on. Get under a sturdy table or against an inside wall, away from windows. Do not use lifts, and do not run outside while the ground is moving.
  • Near the coast? The PTWC says the tsunami threat has passed, but minor sea-level changes may occur for a few hours, and Sinaproc and the Government Minister have advised people to stay away from beaches and rivers. Keep away from the water's edge and follow Sinaproc and local authorities.
  • Check your home. Look for new cracks in walls, columns, stairs and balconies. If you see any, leave and ask your building administration (PH) or landlord for a structural check before going back in.
  • Smell gas? Do not switch lights on or off or light anything. Close the tank or main valve if you can do it safely, open windows, leave and call 911.
  • Emergency numbers: 911. Sinaproc also lists 520-4426, 520-4427 and 520-4429, and a 24-hour WhatsApp, 6998-4809.
  • Tell family you are safe by text or messaging, and keep calls short so lines stay free.
  • Contact your embassy if you need help. The US Embassy issued a natural disaster alert on 9 October advising US citizens to avoid damaged areas and buildings, stay away from the coast, follow local authorities and be ready for power and communication outages. It can be reached on +507 317-5000 or at Panama-ACS@state.gov. US citizens can enrol in the State Department's STEP programme at step.state.gov to get alerts. Most other embassies run a similar registration or alert service.
  • Insurance: photograph any damage before you clean up or move things, and call your insurer or broker early to open a claim.
  • Fill a few containers with water, charge your phone and power banks, and keep a torch and your documents close.

Sources

  • USGS - M 7.7 event page: magnitude, time, location, depth; PAGER red alert for economic losses, yellow for fatalities; about 4.6 million people in moderate to severe shaking - 9 Oct 2026, updated 2:42 p.m. Panama
  • Instituto de Geociencias, Universidad de Panamá (IGC-UP) - Revised report: M 7.2, 4 km deep, 39 km NW of Tonosí - 9 Oct 2026, 1:12 p.m. Panama
  • Instituto de Geociencias, Universidad de Panamá (IGC-UP) - Preliminary report: M 7.0, 10 km deep, 39 km W of Tonosí - 9 Oct 2026, 1:00 p.m. Panama
  • Sinaproc - Emergency lines 911, 520-4426/4427/4429, WhatsApp 6998-4809; Third National Evacuation Drill on Mon 12 Oct - 7 Oct 2026, checked 9 Oct
  • Reuters (via Devdiscourse) - Quake felt strongly in Panama City, per Reuters witnesses - 9 Oct 2026, 1:07 p.m. Panama
  • TVN - Quake felt in several provinces; IGC-UP time and depth - 9 Oct 2026, 1:08 p.m. Panama
  • Telemetro - IGC-UP preliminary report, 39 km west of Tonosí, Los Santos - 9 Oct 2026, 1:12 p.m. Panama
  • Telemetro Reporta - Several buildings evacuated on Avenida 12 de Octubre - 9 Oct 2026, 1:01 p.m. Panama
  • T13 - USGS first reported 8.0, then revised to 7.6 - 9 Oct 2026
  • NTN24 - Colombian Geological Service bulletin citing 8.0 - 9 Oct 2026, 1:12 p.m. Panama
  • El Tiempo - Report headlined with a 7.3 SGC figure - 9 Oct 2026, 1:15 p.m. Colombia
  • US Department of State - STEP enrolment for US citizens abroad - accessed 9 Oct 2026
  • Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA) - Tsunami threat message 2: magnitude 7.6; waves of 1 to 3 m possible on some coasts of Panama - 9 Oct 2026, 1:31 p.m. Panama
  • Telemetro Reporta - Sinaproc director Omar Smith: damage reported in Herrera, Los Santos, Playa Venado and Chitré - 9 Oct 2026, 1:29 p.m. Panama
  • Telemetro Reporta - Omar Smith: quake on land, tsunami possibly not expected; aftershocks likely - 9 Oct 2026, 1:42 p.m. Panama
  • ENSA - 17 circuits in Colón restored; Costa Abajo de Colón still pending - 9 Oct 2026, 1:48 p.m. Panama
  • MEDUCA - Afternoon-shift schools closed nationwide - 9 Oct 2026, 1:30 p.m. Panama
  • Telemetro Reporta - Panama Metro temporarily suspends service - 9 Oct 2026, 1:39 p.m. Panama
  • Telemetro Reporta - Colón Free Zone asks for temporary suspension of commercial activity - 9 Oct 2026, 1:50 p.m. Panama
  • Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA) - Final tsunami threat message 4: threat has passed; no longer a tsunami threat; minor sea-level changes possible - 9 Oct 2026, 2:39 p.m. Panama
  • Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA) - Tsunami threat message 3: waves of 1 to 3 m still possible on some coasts of Panama - 9 Oct 2026, 1:51 p.m. Panama
  • Sinaproc - Official statement: stay calm, follow protocols, keep away from damaged structures; monitoring under way - 9 Oct 2026, 2:21 p.m. Panama
  • Tocumen International Airport - Flight operations suspended, airport temporarily closed as a precaution - 9 Oct 2026, 2:32 p.m. Panama
  • USGS - Aftershocks of M 2.5 or more near the epicentre since the main quake (catalogue search): ten of M 4.7 or more, none of M 6 or more since 3:25 p.m. - 9 Oct 2026, checked 4:36 p.m. Panama
  • USGS - M 6.6 aftershock, 14 km W of Río Grande - 9 Oct 2026, 3:25 p.m. Panama
  • Instituto de Geociencias, Universidad de Panamá (IGC-UP) - Revised report: aftershock M 6.9, 5 km deep, 25 km E of Coiba - 9 Oct 2026, 3:38 p.m. Panama
  • Instituto de Geociencias, Universidad de Panamá (IGC-UP) - Official account with its series of aftershock reports - 9 Oct 2026
  • CSS - No patients, users or staff reported affected at its facilities; possible structural damage being checked - 9 Oct 2026, 3:00 p.m. Panama
  • José Raúl Mulino - Orders staff, resources and aid mobilised; Montalvo and Sinaproc press conference - 9 Oct 2026, 3:00 p.m. Panama
  • José Raúl Mulino - Will take part personally in coordination in the hardest-hit areas - 9 Oct 2026, 3:05 p.m. Panama
  • ETESA - Transmission grid stable; full check of the national grid - 9 Oct 2026, 2:59 p.m. Panama
  • Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil (AAC), via Tocumen - Flights diverted to alternate airports; runway and terminal inspections; AAC airports restoring service gradually - 9 Oct 2026, 3:13 p.m. Panama
  • TVN - Panama Canal activates emergency protocols, inspects facilities and continues operations - 9 Oct 2026, 3:00 p.m. Panama
  • La Prensa - Panama Canal keeps operating while inspecting facilities - 9 Oct 2026, 2:57 p.m. Panama
  • TVN - Press conference: Sinaproc deputy director Malitzie Rivera and Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo on injuries, no confirmed deaths, hardest-hit provinces, water plants, coast and Centenario Bridge - 9 Oct 2026, 3:38 p.m. Panama, updated 4:04 p.m.
  • Telemetro Reporta - IGC-UP director Néstor Luque: about 86 aftershocks, all smaller than the main quake - 9 Oct 2026, 4:26 p.m. Panama
  • Telemetro Reporta - Soná, Veraguas: church collapsed; man rescued from the rubble and taken to hospital - 9 Oct 2026, 3:55 p.m. Panama
  • Telemetro Reporta - Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo: 5 p.m. meeting with all regional directors - 9 Oct 2026, 4:33 p.m. Panama
  • CSS - More staff for emergency services - 9 Oct 2026, 4:15 p.m. Panama
  • CSS director Dino Mon, shared by CSS - Outpatient appointments suspended; no injured reported so far; anxiety cases treated - 9 Oct 2026, 3:30 p.m. Panama
  • La Prensa - Comptroller Anel Flores: drinking water service being restored gradually - 9 Oct 2026, 4:18 p.m. Panama
  • La Prensa - AAC: Copa flights to Tocumen diverted to Cartagena, Barranquilla and other alternates - 9 Oct 2026, 4:03 p.m. Panama
  • La Prensa - ENA makes the Corredores free until midnight - 9 Oct 2026, 4:12 p.m. Panama
  • U.S. Embassy in Panama - Natural disaster alert: avoid damaged areas, stay away from the coast, contacts - 9 Oct 2026
  • Telemetro - Cabinet declares a state of emergency; Orillac: up to $100M; 27 injured, no deaths in the official tally - 10 Oct 2026
  • Eco TV - Sinaproc suspends the Third National Evacuation Drill set for Monday 12 October until further notice - 10 Oct 2026
  • Panamá América - Sinaproc suspends all drill activities and Monday's exercise until further notice - 10 Oct 2026