Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Panama Declares Major Disaster After Powerful 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake
A strong earthquake shook Panama on Friday, October 9.
It lasted nearly a minute and damaged buildings and roads.
President José Raúl Mulino declared a major disaster and went to Penonomé to coordinate the response.
Some areas were difficult to reach because roads were blocked.
Reports about injuries differed: one source said two people were hurt, while others reported no immediate casualties.
More than 80 smaller earthquakes followed, including one stronger than magnitude 6.0.
A tsunami warning was issued and later lifted.
The Panama Canal kept operating, but the capital's airport closed temporarily and schools stopped classes.
A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck central Panama on Friday, October 9, lasting nearly a minute; the USGS first estimated it at 8.0.
President José Raúl Mulino declared a major disaster as roads collapsed and buildings were damaged; reports differed on injuries, with one source reporting two injured and others noting no immediate casualties.
Herrera, Coclé and Los Santos were among the hardest-hit provinces, and Tonosí was cut off by impassable roads.
More than 80 aftershocks were recorded, including one above magnitude 6.0; an eastern Pacific tsunami warning was later lifted.
Panama Canal shipping continued normally, while Panama City's international airport temporarily closed, flights were diverted and schools nationwide suspended classes.
- Who
- People and authorities in Panama; President José Raúl Mulino declared a major disaster.
- What
- A magnitude-7.7 earthquake damaged buildings and roads; reports differed on whether anyone was injured.
- When
- Friday, October 9, 2026, at 1756 GMT (12:56 p.m. local time).
- Where
- Central Panama, with the epicenter about 10 kilometers from Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province.
- Why
- The earthquake caused infrastructure damage and left some communities difficult to reach, prompting emergency measures.
- Magnitude
- 7.7; the USGS initially estimated 8.0 before revising it.
- Duration
- Nearly one minute.
- Epicenter
- About 10 kilometers from Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province.
- Injury reports
- One report said two people were injured in separate collapsed structures; other reports said there were no immediate casualty reports or no reported fatalities.
- Aftershocks
- More than 80 recorded, including one above magnitude 6.0.
- Tsunami warning
- Issued for the eastern Pacific and later lifted.
- Transport and schools
- Canal shipping remained normal; Panama City's international airport temporarily closed and flights were diverted; nationwide classes were suspended.
Sources
Panama earthquake today: President declares ‘major disaster’ as buildings collapse and aftershocks rattle country
Panama President Declares "Major Disaster" After Earthquake
Panama Declares 'Major Disaster' After Powerful 7.7-Magnitude Quake; 80+ Aftershocks Recorded