A powerful earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, October 9, prompting evacuations and reports of building damage. News agencies reported the main earthquake at magnitude 7.7, followed by a magnitude 6.6 quake and numerous smaller aftershocks.
Shaking and damage in central Panama
The main earthquake occurred at approximately 12:56 p.m. Panama time, or 10:56 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province. Preliminary USGS listings placed it at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Early magnitude estimates changed as seismic information was reviewed, with initial reports ranging from 7.6 to 8.0.
The Associated Press reported building collapses and road cracks near the affected area, with damage concentrated in the provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos. Residents evacuated buildings in Panama City, and shaking was also felt in neighboring Colombia. AP reported no confirmed casualties in its Friday-evening update; assessments were continuing.
Panama Canal remains operational
Reuters reported damage to homes and other structures, including a historic tower and residential balconies in Penonomé. Metro services were temporarily suspended, and schools closed nationwide. Despite the disruption, Panama Canal operations remained normal, according to that report.
The continuing aftershocks added uncertainty for residents as authorities assessed buildings and infrastructure. USGS listed the magnitude 6.6 event at 3:25 p.m. Panama time, approximately two and a half hours after the main earthquake.
No current tsunami alert for Washington or Oregon
Initial reports raised concerns about possible tsunami waves along parts of the Pacific coast of Central and South America. At the time this article was prepared, NOAA’s U.S. Tsunami Warning System displayed no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat for Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon or California.
For readers on the Long Beach Peninsula, the current NOAA status is the relevant coastal alert information. Residents should follow official updates as the event is reviewed.
Earthquake magnitudes, damage reports and alert status can change as authorities receive additional information.
Sources and updates
- USGS main earthquake record: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000u18k
- USGS magnitude 6.6 earthquake record: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000u19w
- Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/e4e5dc85829714db88a74de3b7019d55
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/strong-80-magnitude-earthquake-felt-panama-usgs-2026-10-09/
- NOAA tsunami alerts: https://www.tsunami.gov/
