Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Panama Quake Injures 27, Triggers and Then Ends Tsunami Warning
A strong earthquake shook Panama on Friday.
It damaged roads, homes, and historic buildings, and at least 27 people were hurt.
Officials said no one had died, but they were still checking the damage.
People left buildings when the shaking began.
The quake also caused concern about large waves, so officials issued a tsunami warning.
They later lifted the warning.
More than 80 smaller earthquakes followed, including one stronger than magnitude 6.0.
Some roads were badly damaged, leaving the town of Tonosí cut off.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, October 9, at 12:56 p.m. local time.
At least 27 people suffered minor injuries, and authorities reported no deaths while assessments continued.
The tsunami warning for parts of the eastern Pacific was later lifted.
Panama's Geosciences Institute recorded more than 80 aftershocks, including one above magnitude 6.0.
Damage included collapsed roads and buildings, a damaged cathedral, and the reported collapse of the Church of San Atanasio.
- Who
- People in Panama were affected; authorities reported at least 27 minor injuries.
- What
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake caused injuries, damage, and aftershocks, and prompted a tsunami warning that was later lifted.
- When
- Friday, October 9, at 12:56 p.m. local time.
- Where
- The earthquake's epicentre was about 10 kilometres from Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province; shaking was felt across Panama.
- Why
- The earthquake's shallow depth increased the potential for strong shaking near its epicentre.
- Magnitude
- 7.7; USGS estimates were revised from 8.0 to 7.6 and then 7.7.
- Time
- 12:56 p.m. local time on Friday, October 9 (1756 GMT).
- Depth
- Approximately 10 kilometres.
- Injuries and deaths
- At least 27 minor injuries; authorities reported no deaths as assessments continued.
- Tsunami warning
- Issued for parts of the eastern Pacific and later lifted.
- Aftershocks
- More than 80 recorded, including one above magnitude 6.0.
- Most affected provinces
- Herrera, Coclé, Los Santos, and Veraguas.