WASHINGTON, Oct 10 – A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, October 9, 2026, causing regional disruptions, according to reports from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS upgraded its initial assessment of the tremor from a magnitude of 7.6 to 7.7.
The epicenter of the quake was localized 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, occurring at a relatively shallow depth of 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles).
Structural Impacts, Travel Disruptions, and Safety Warnings
Despite the magnitude of the seismic event, immediate reports indicated no initial casualties or catastrophic structural failures:
- Casualty and Damage Reports: Authorities reported no immediate deaths, major injuries, or widespread infrastructure collapse following the tremor.
- Tsunami Threat Level: The US Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami warnings, advisories, watches, or threats were issued following the quake.
- Airport Operations Suspended: Local media outlets reported that Panama International Airport temporarily suspended flight operations as a precautionary safety measure to inspect runways and terminal facilities.
- Diplomatic Advisories: The US Embassy in Panama released a statement urging citizens in the affected region to avoid damaged structures, exercise caution, and follow official guidance and local emergency broadcasts.
Seismologists and local emergency response teams continue to monitor the region for potential aftershocks.
–NMT
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