7.7 Quake Hits Panama, Triggers Tsunami Warning

A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck central Panama on Friday, triggering widespread panic, collapsing structures, and prompting official tsunami warnings along the Pacific coastline.

The US Geological Survey located the epicentre near Pitaloza Arriba at a shallow depth of 12 kilometres.

The violent shaking lasted nearly a minute, causing high-rise office workers in Panama City to rush into the streets and sending strong aftershocks across the region.

Emergency officials reported structural damage in central provinces, including a partial hotel collapse and structural cracking at a historic church in Penonomé.

7.7 quake hits Panama, triggers tsunami warning (News Central TV) — People gather in an open area after an earthquake struck near the southern coast of Panama, in Panama City, Panama, October 9, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Enea Lebrun

The US Tsunami Warning System warned that waves up to three metres high could hit Panamanian shores, while President José Raúl Mulino appealed for calm as disaster response teams assess structural impact across the country.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.