A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Panama on Friday 9 October 2026, shaking buildings in areas including Panama City and prompting people to evacuate them and gather in the streets, according to US Geological Survey data and preliminary field reports. The survey located the earthquake’s epicentre about 14 kilometres south-west of the remote town of Petalosa Arriba, near the southern tip of the Central American country.
Residents of the capital felt the tremors as buildings shook and some people went outside to await information about the earthquake’s impact. Initial estimates had put the magnitude at 8 before the US Geological Survey revised the measurement to 7.6.
Preliminary data on the earthquake’s location and depth
The centre said the possibility of tsunami waves resulting from the earthquake was still being assessed, and urged people to follow official updates as analysis of the data continued. The initial assessment included the possibility of distant effects reaching Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. The centre said a warning, advisory or watch could be issued later if the assessments confirmed a threat.
Possible timing of waves reaching the islands
It identified 10:32pm on Saturday 10 October local time on the islands as the possible earliest arrival time if trans-oceanic waves developed.
The centre said it would issue a new update within an hour of its first bulletin, or sooner if developments warranted, while the relevant authorities continued reviewing the earthquake’s magnitude, depth and location and assessing its potential effects.
