Powerful earthquake hits Panama causing infrastructure damage and tsunami alerts

On October 9, 2026, a major earthquake struck the southern coast of Panama, near the rural community of La Pitaloza. While initial reports provided varying estimates ranging from magnitude 7.6 to 8.2, official assessments generally focus on a magnitude between 7.6 and 7.7. The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers and was felt strongly in Panama City and neighbouring Costa Rica, causing widespread panic and building evacuations. The US Tsunami Warning System issued alerts for several countries across Central and South America, as well as a threat advisory for Hawaii.

President Jose Raul Mulino described the event as a "major disaster," noting that some buildings collapsed and road infrastructure suffered severe damage, particularly near the epicenter in the Herrera province. Despite the destruction, critical infrastructure including the Panama Canal and Tocumen International Airport continued to operate normally after safety inspections. No immediate casualties were officially confirmed, though secondary seismic activity persisted in the area. Authorities have mobilized emergency protocols, and the United States has offered assistance as recovery efforts begin.