World · Latin America · 13 hrs ago
Magnitude 7.7 earthquake damages buildings in Panama
A powerful earthquake struck Panama on Friday, with its epicentre near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province.
The US Geological Survey put its magnitude at 7.7, while Panama’s geological institute estimated 7.2.
Buildings were damaged in several areas, and authorities had not confirmed any casualties while inspections continued.
More than 30 aftershocks were recorded, and officials warned that more could follow.
Schools closed, some public offices shut, water supplies were interrupted in some areas, and Tocumen airport temporarily stopped operations.
The Panama Canal continued to operate normally.
Tsunami alerts for several Pacific coasts were later lifted.
Emergency agencies are assessing the damage and reporting their findings to the president.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, October 9, with its epicentre near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province.
The US Geological Survey revised its initial magnitude estimate before reporting the quake as 7.7; Panama’s Institute of Geosciences estimated it at 7.2.
Buildings were reported damaged in several areas, including Penonomé, Chitré and Venao, while inspections continued and authorities had not confirmed casualties.
More than 30 aftershocks were recorded, and residents evacuated buildings in parts of the country.
Tsunami warnings or alerts were issued for Pacific coastal areas in several countries and were later lifted, according to MercoPress.
Schools were closed nationwide, Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended operations, and the Panama Canal continued to operate normally.
- Who
- People in Panama; emergency and government authorities, including President José Raúl Mulino.
- What
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake caused building damage, evacuations and aftershocks.
- When
- Friday, October 9, 2026; reported at 12:56 local time by MercoPress.
- Where
- Near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province, on Panama’s Azuero peninsula.
- Why
- Panama’s Institute of Geosciences director attributed it to the Azuero-Sona fault system, which had been accumulating stress.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
What has happened must not be used to generate alarm and disorder,
We’re scared. It’s just the two of us old folks here. The house has cracked, and we’re afraid it could fall on us,
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province.
Aftershocks followed, with more than 30 recorded, and damage was reported in several provinces.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center alert for several countries’ coasts was lifted, according to MercoPress.
- USGS magnitude
- 7.7
- Panama Institute of Geosciences magnitude estimate
- 7.2
- Epicentre
- About 14 kilometres southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, according to MercoPress
- Aftershocks
- More than 30 recorded
- Reportedly affected places
- Penonomé, Chitré and Venao
Sources
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