Tsunami threat after 7.7 magnitude earthquake recorded in Panama

A powerful earthquake, measured between 7.6 and 7.7 magnitude, struck Panama's southern Pacific coast near Pitaloza Arriba on October 9, 2026. The initial tremor occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. local time and was felt as far away as Panama City, leading to building evacuations and a temporary suspension of operations at Tocumen International Airport. While significant property damage was reported—including collapsed buildings, fissures in roads, and damage to historic sites like the San Juan Bautista Cathedral—there were no immediate reports of fatalities. A tsunami threat was initially issued for several Latin American countries but was rescinded later that day. Numerous aftershocks, including a 6.6 magnitude quake, followed the primary event.

A powerful earthquake, measured between 7.6 and 7.7 magnitude, struck Panama's southern Pacific coast near Pitaloza Arriba on October 9, 2026. The initial tremor occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. local time and was felt as far away as Panama City, leading to building evacuations and a temporary suspension of operations at Tocumen International Airport. While significant property damage was reported—including collapsed buildings, fissures in roads, and damage to historic sites like the San Juan Bautista Cathedral—there were no immediate reports of fatalities. A tsunami threat was initially issued for several Latin American countries but was rescinded later that day. Numerous aftershocks, including a 6.6 magnitude quake, followed the primary event.