World · Latin America · 2 days ago
Strong earthquake off Panama triggers tsunami warnings across nine countries
A powerful earthquake struck off Panama’s southern coast on Friday, at a depth of about 10 kilometres.
The US Geological Survey later put its magnitude at 7.6, after an initial estimate of 8.0.
The shaking was felt in Panama City and Costa Rica’s capital.
Tsunami warnings were issued for the Pacific coasts of Panama, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
One account said no damage had initially been reported in Panama, while another showed videos of large cracks in roads and around buildings; the full extent was unclear.
People were seen leaving buildings, and someone in a coastal area was preparing to leave.
The warnings reflected concern that dangerous waves could reach the affected coasts, but no further developments were given.
A strong earthquake struck off Panama’s southern coast on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The USGS reported a magnitude of 7.6, after an initial estimate of 8.0; another report gave a magnitude of 8.0.
Tsunami warnings were issued for countries along the Pacific coast of Central and South America.
Reports differed on damage: one said no damage reports were initially available, while another showed videos of cracks in roads and buildings.
The shaking was felt in Panama City and, according to eyewitnesses, in Costa Rica’s capital.
- Who
- The earthquake affected Panama and prompted tsunami warnings for nearby countries.
- What
- A strong earthquake struck off Panama’s southern coast. Tsunami warnings followed.
- When
- Friday, October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Off the southern coast of Panama.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
She is fine, but now she has to pack her things, since she is right by the sea at Playa Guanico
A strong earthquake struck off Panama’s southern coast at a reported depth of about 10 kilometres.
Tsunami warnings were issued for countries along the Pacific coast of Central and South America.
- USGS magnitude
- 7.6; initially reported as 8.0
- Depth
- About 10 kilometres
- Location
- Off Panama’s southern coast
- Warnings
- Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico, according to 20 Minuten
- Damage reports
- Initially unclear; videos showed cracks in roads and around buildings, according to 20 Minuten
Sources
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