Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Strikes Panama, Triggering Revoked Tsunami Warning
A strong earthquake shook Panama on Friday.
Panama’s Institute of Geosciences measured it at magnitude 7.2.
The US Geological Survey later put its estimate at 7.7, after first reporting 8.0.
People felt the shaking in Panama City, and some buildings and the Albrook bus terminal swayed.
A tsunami warning was issued for parts of several countries’ coasts, but the US warning was later canceled.
Chile also warned that the quake could affect Easter Island.
The Panama Canal kept working while teams checked its facilities.
Schools suspended afternoon classes, and the Education Ministry’s offices closed.
President Jose Raul Mulino asked people to stay calm and said he had requested an impact report.
Panama’s University of Panama Institute of Geosciences reported a magnitude 7.2 quake, with its epicentre 39 kilometres northwest of Tonosi.
The US Geological Survey revised its initial magnitude estimate from 8.0 to 7.7.
Strong shaking was reported locally on Friday, including in Panama City, and videos showed buildings and the Albrook bus terminal swaying.
The US Tsunami Warning System issued a threat for parts of several countries’ coasts, then revoked it; Chile also issued an alert for Easter Island.
The Panama Canal continued operating while technical teams inspected facilities, and afternoon classes and Education Ministry offices were suspended.
- Who
- People in Panama experienced the earthquake; authorities and agencies issued alerts and responded.
- What
- A major earthquake struck Panama, prompting tsunami alerts, inspections and school closures.
- When
- Friday, local time.
- Where
- The epicentre was 39 kilometres northwest of Tonosi, in Los Santos province; shaking was also felt in Panama City.
- Why
- Tsunami alerts were issued because the earthquake was considered capable of triggering hazardous waves.
- Panama Institute of Geosciences magnitude
- 7.2
- US Geological Survey estimate
- Initially 8.0, later revised to 7.7
- Epicentre
- 39 kilometres northwest of Tonosi
- Tsunami warning
- The US warning was later revoked
- Panama Canal
- Operations continued normally; technical teams inspected facilities
- Education measures
- Afternoon classes were suspended nationwide; Education Ministry administrative offices remained closed