By Dan Mughogho
Published: October 10, 2026
A powerful earthquake struck Panama on Friday, October 9, damaging buildings, collapsing hotels and disrupting airport operations. The preliminary magnitude was reported as 7.7, with the epicentre near the Azuero Peninsula.
The earthquake damaged structures in Penonomé and Aguadulce, while a hotel in El Venao reportedly collapsed. Authorities also reported damage to homes and a bridge, alongside a local electricity outage.
A strong aftershock measuring a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 raised concerns about further structural damage. Meanwhile, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated that the immediate tsunami threat had passed.
Operations at Tocumen International Airport were temporarily suspended for safety inspections. However, the Panama Canal Authority reported that canal operations continued normally.
For more international disaster coverage, read our report on severe flooding and mudslides in Santiago, Chile.
Earthquake Strikes Near Panama’s Azuero Peninsula
According to the preliminary information in the supplied report, the earthquake’s epicentre was approximately nine miles southwest of Pitaloza Arriba. The shaking was felt in Panama City and neighbouring Costa Rica.
The Azuero Peninsula includes coastal communities and tourist destinations that could face challenges accessing emergency assistance after a major earthquake.
In El Venao, the El Sitio Hotel collapsed, according to Miguel Batista, the mayor of Pedasí. Speaking to Panamanian television station Telemetro, Batista said no injuries had been reported from that collapse. He also reported cracked homes, bridge damage and a loss of electricity in the area.
Emergency teams continued assessing affected locations as authorities worked to establish the full extent of the damage.
Buildings Collapse in Penonomé and Aguadulce
The earthquake caused significant structural damage in Penonomé and Aguadulce.
According to reports cited by Telemetro, approximately a dozen structures collapsed in Penonomé. Footage also showed damage to the Dos Continentes hotel, where part of the building reportedly fell onto parked vehicles.
In Aguadulce, six buildings reportedly sustained significant damage. Jorge Sánchez, a senior police official from Coclé province, said the governor’s office and a cathedral had also been affected.
The damage raised concerns about the safety of weakened structures. Buildings that survive an earthquake can still have hidden damage to walls, foundations and supporting elements.
Residents should avoid entering damaged buildings until qualified personnel have assessed their safety.
For another example of the dangers facing communities during natural disasters, read our coverage of floods in Nepal that swept away homes and left five people missing.
Aftershocks and Tsunami Concerns
A strong aftershock measuring a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 was reported at approximately 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time. Seismologists warned that further shaking could worsen damage to buildings and infrastructure already weakened by the initial earthquake.
USGS seismologist Susan Hough described the aftershock sequence as relatively energetic. She also indicated that preliminary information suggested the earthquake was not a subduction-zone event.
Subduction-zone earthquakes occur when one tectonic plate moves beneath another and can generate tsunamis when they displace significant amounts of seawater. The Panama earthquake was instead described as a shallow event involving predominantly lateral movement on land.
Although the earthquake prompted tsunami concerns, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center subsequently indicated that there was no longer an immediate tsunami threat in the region.
The distinction is important because earthquake magnitude alone does not determine tsunami risk. The earthquake’s location, depth, fault movement and any displacement of the seabed also matter.
Authorities and residents should continue following official emergency alerts, particularly while aftershocks remain possible.
Tocumen Airport Suspends Flights
Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended flight operations and evacuated passengers while safety inspections were conducted.
Authorities said operations would resume after inspections of airport facilities and the air traffic control tower were completed.
The disruption affected air travel to Panama City. Flight diversions were also reported, although the extent of the disruption requires confirmation from airport and airline updates.
Inspections following major earthquakes help identify possible damage to terminals, runways, navigation equipment and other critical infrastructure before normal operations resume.
Passengers should check directly with their airlines for the latest departure times and rebooking arrangements.
Panama Canal Continues Operating Normally
Despite the reported damage elsewhere in the country, the Panama Canal Authority said the canal continued operating normally.
The canal is a major international shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A prolonged closure could disrupt maritime schedules and international supply chains.
The reported continuation of normal operations provided reassurance for shipping companies and other businesses dependent on the waterway.
The US Embassy in Panama also reportedly had no initial reports of injuries among its staff or at the embassy.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Authorities’ immediate priorities include assessing damaged structures, inspecting critical infrastructure and monitoring aftershocks.
Residents in affected areas should stay away from visibly damaged buildings, follow evacuation instructions and watch for official updates. Cracked walls, fallen masonry and damaged support structures can indicate serious hazards.
Aftershocks may also affect bridges, roads and utility systems weakened by the initial earthquake. Continued inspections are therefore important for determining where repairs or additional emergency assistance are needed.
For more coverage of international emergencies, earthquakes and other major developments, visit the Newsaih World News section.
The full impact of the earthquake will depend on further assessments of structural damage, injuries and disruption to essential services.
Panama Earthquake: Key Facts
- Date: October 9, 2026, according to the supplied report
- Preliminary magnitude: 7.7, as reported in the supplied article
- Reported epicentre: Near Pitaloza Arriba, close to the Azuero Peninsula
- Major aftershock: Preliminary magnitude of 6.9
- Affected locations: Penonomé, Aguadulce and El Venao
- Airport impact: Temporary suspension of flights at Tocumen International Airport
- Panama Canal: Reported to be operating normally
- Tsunami update: The immediate threat was subsequently reported to have passed
- Main concern: Aftershocks and further damage to weakened structures
Editorial note: Verify the earthquake magnitude, epicentre, casualty figures and tsunami update against current USGS, tsunami-centre and Panamanian authority reports before publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the Panama earthquake?
The supplied report gives a preliminary magnitude of 7.7. Verify this figure against the latest authoritative seismic bulletin before publication.
Where did the earthquake strike?
The reported epicentre was near Pitaloza Arriba, close to Panama’s Azuero Peninsula.
Did the earthquake cause a tsunami?
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center subsequently indicated that there was no longer an immediate tsunami threat in the region.
Were buildings damaged?
Yes. Reports described collapsed structures in Penonomé, damaged buildings in Aguadulce and the collapse of a hotel in El Venao.
Was the Panama Canal closed?
No closure was reported in the supplied article. The Panama Canal Authority said operations continued normally.
Why were airport flights suspended?
Tocumen International Airport suspended flights while safety inspections were conducted following the earthquake.
Final Thoughts
The earthquake caused substantial reported structural damage and disrupted air travel across Panama. Although the immediate tsunami threat was reported to have passed, aftershocks remained a concern for communities near the epicentre.
Authorities’ assessments of buildings, transport infrastructure and essential services will be important in determining the disaster’s full impact.
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