A violent earthquake of magnitude 7.6 hit Panama today, Friday 9 October, causing moments of fear in the capital. The quake was recorded at 12.56pm local time, 7.56pm in Italy, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Initially, the USGS had recorded a shock of magnitude 8, then revised to 7.6. The American tsunami warning system has reported a possible threat of anomalous waves, while checks on the consequences of the earthquake are underway.
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.6 – 10 km WSW of Pitaloza Arriba, Panama https://t.co/tlY0Y1cegU
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) October 9, 2026
The epicenter was located 14 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, at a depth of approximately 33 kilometers. The earthquake was also felt in the capital Panama City, where journalists from the AFP agency reported scenes of panic among the population.
Tsunami alert after earthquake in Panama
The US tsunami monitoring system was activated immediately after the earthquake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (Ptwc) has reported a possible threat, starting assessments on the possible propagation of anomalous waves in the Pacific Ocean.
In the first bulletins, the American center specified that the potential effects of a tsunami could affect the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico within the next three hours, including Hawaii. The authorities are called to assess the possible danger for coastal areas based on updates to international monitoring systems.
The ‘US Tsunami Warning System’ then withdrew the tsunami warning. A moderate threat of tsunami is instead considered by the authorities of El Salvador while the risk of the arrival of a freak wave is discarded by Colombia’s National Disaster Risk Unit (UNGRD).
Fear in Panama City, the latest news on the damage
The earthquake caused moments of strong apprehension in the Panamanian capital. According to what was reported by journalistsAfpthe population reacted to the earthquake with scenes of panic. At the time of the first communications, no verified tolls of any victims, injuries or damage to buildings were available. The consequences of the earthquake in the areas closest to the epicenter remain to be ascertained.
Panama International Airport announced that it had suspended operations for precautionary reasons and to be able to check the facilities. Furthermore, schools were closed.
In the most affected areas of Coclè, Verguas and Azuero the firefighters are starting to check the integrity of the buildings. Local media broadcast scenes of people fleeing in panic from their homes and evacuated shopping centers after the tremors.
The Farnesina is monitoring the situation
The Farnesina and the Italian Embassy in Panama are monitoring the situation following the strong earthquake in the country. Minister Antonio Tajani follows its evolution. For any reports, you can contact the Embassy in Panama at +507 65329479 / +50 60073874 or the Crisis Unit at 0636225 or by email at [email protected].