A powerful earthquake measured between magnitude 7.6 and 7.7 struck southern Panama on 9 October 2026, triggering tsunami warnings for multiple countries along the Pacific coast of Central and South America.
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Key facts
- The US Geological Survey reported the quake as magnitude 7.6; Al Jazeera and the BBC reported magnitude 7.7.
- The epicentre was near the southern tip of Panama, about 14km (9 miles) south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba.
- Tsunami warnings were issued for countries including Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia and Chile.
- The BBC reported buildings were damaged, with videos of destruction circulating online.
A powerful earthquake struck Panama on 9 October 2026, triggering tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS reported the quake as magnitude 7.6, while Al Jazeera and the BBC reported it as magnitude 7.7. The quake hit along the southern coast of the country, the USGS said, and was centred near the southern tip of the Central American nation, about 14km (9 miles) south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba.
According to the Guardian, hazardous waves were considered possible in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. Al Jazeera reported that countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Chile had also received warnings after the quake.
The BBC reported that buildings were damaged by the earthquake, and that videos of destruction were circulating online. Tsunami warnings were issued for neighbouring countries, the broadcaster said.
The reported figures and affected areas reflect early information in the hours after the quake, and details such as the precise magnitude varied between outlets. The USGS and national tsunami authorities typically update assessments as more data becomes available.
Why it matters
A quake of this scale near a populated coastline can cause significant damage and, when it triggers tsunami warnings, puts communities across multiple countries at potential risk. Early, accurate information helps residents in coastal areas respond to evacuation guidance and official alerts.
Frequently asked questions
How strong was the Panama earthquake?
The US Geological Survey reported the quake as magnitude 7.6, while Al Jazeera and the BBC reported it as magnitude 7.7.
Where was the epicentre?
According to the USGS, the quake was centred near the southern tip of Panama, about 14km (9 miles) south-west of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba along the country's southern coast.
Which countries received tsunami warnings?
Warnings and the possibility of hazardous waves were reported for Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia and Chile, according to the Guardian and Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- Powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Panama and triggers panic in capital
The Guardian World: The quake caused buildings and roads to collapse but the country appeared to escape widespread destruction or deaths A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, damaging buildings and sending thousands into the streets, but the country appeared to escape widespre
- Powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits Panama, damaging buildings
BBC World: Tsunami warnings are issued for neighbouring countries as videos of destruction circulate online.
- Tsunami warnings across Latin America after 7.7 magnitude earthquake hits
Al Jazeera: Countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Chile have received warnings after the quake.
- Panama earthquake: Tsunami warnings issued after magnitude 7.7 quake
Al Jazeera: Countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Chile have received warnings after the quake.
- Powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake hits Panama and triggers tsunami warnings
The Guardian World: Hazardous waves are possible in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake has struck Panama and triggered tsunami warnings along the west coast of Central and South America, according to the US Geological Survey (U