Watch: TV broadcast interrupted, panic in malls as Panama City shaken by 7.7 earthquake
On Friday, October 9, 2026, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama, causing panic across the country. The tremor, which originated at a depth of 12.6 km, prompted thousands of people to flee shopping malls and gather in public spaces. Although the USGS noted the possibility of casualties, Panama managed to avoid widespread damage and fatalities.
The Panama Canal continued to operate normally throughout the ordeal. President Raul Mulino traveled to Penonomé, a city approximately 150 km from the capital, following the collapse of a cathedral bell tower. While no deaths had been reported by evening, officials warned that the situation could deteriorate in the following hours or days.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Major earthquake strikes Panama—damage and injuries are expected scientificamerican.com
- Major quake rocks Panama, triggers tsunami warning freemalaysiatoday.com
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake shakes Panama en.mercopress.com
