Earthquake in Panama

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on 9 October 2026 at 17:56 UTC, with a reported depth of 12.6 km and an epicentre at approximately 7.5868° N, 80.769° W, according to GDACS.

The earthquake caused damage to buildings and infrastructure, disrupted essential services and prompted evacuations in Herrera, Los Santos, Coclé and Veraguas, with strong shaking also reported in Panama City and other provinces.

Preliminary reports recorded 27 injuries and no fatalities. A total of 29 health facilities across eight provinces and the Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous Region were reported affected. The Government of Panama declared a national state of emergency on 10 October 2026 to facilitate response and recovery operations.