Panama struck by 2 powerful earthquakes, U.S. Geological Survey says
Updated on: October 9, 2026 / 7:56 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Panama's southern tip on Friday morning, followed by a 6.6 magnitude quake later in the day.
- Tremors were felt in Panama City, causing building shakes and evacuations, but initial reports indicated no deaths or serious injuries.
- Damage was concentrated in central provinces, with collapsed structures, cracked roads, and a historic church reportedly destroyed.
- The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued and later canceled tsunami warnings for Panama's coast.
- Panama Canal operations continued normally, and Tocumen International Airport reopened after a temporary suspension.
- The region has experienced devastating earthquakes in recent months, including in Venezuela and Colombia.
- Panama is located along the "Ring of Fire," making it prone to seismic activity due to tectonic plate interactions.