7.7‑Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern Panama

Overview

• The quake struck on Friday, Oct. 9, near La Pitaloza (Pitaloza Arriba) in south‑central Panama and was a shallow event about 10–12 km deep with the USGS revising early estimates to Mw 7.7.
• U.S. tsunami centers issued broad warnings for Pacific coasts including Central and South America and Hawaii that were monitored and largely canceled when ocean gauges showed no large waves.
• Strong shaking was felt in Panama City and neighboring countries, prompting mass evacuations, suspension of metro service, temporary closure of Tocumen International Airport and flight diversions including a Copa flight that declared an emergency.
• Local images and reports show concentrated damage in Penonomé where part of the Dos Continentes hotel and the San Juan Bautista cathedral were damaged, there were widespread power outages and authorities later reported dozens of injured people.
• Panamanian emergency agencies mobilized inspections, the president requested detailed reports, the Panama Canal maintained operations, and officials warned that many strong aftershocks are likely and will complicate assessments and repairs.