A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude struck Panama, sending shockwaves of concern across the wider region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the quake at 8.0 magnitude, but a revised measurement has since placed it at 7.6. The earthquake struck at a focal depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located approximately 29 kilometers southwest of the historic city of Macaracas.
Video footage from the moment of the earthquake
Immediately after the tremor struck, residents evacuated buildings across the country, while many took to social media to share footage of the quake as it happened. One user on X wrote: “Just now, an earthquake hit Panama. I’m terrified. It was very strong. I’m scared. My dogs are frightened. I didn’t know what to do.“
#LoÚltimo | Un fuerte sismo de magnitud preliminar 7.0 remeció la ciudad de Panamá. https://t.co/bf1qC32d1B
— Telemetro Reporta (@TReporta) October 9, 2026
#SismoEnPanama | Edificios en la Ciudad de Panamá fueron desalojados debido al sismo de 7.0 con epicentro en Tonosí. #PanamaEnDirecto @ARCA_Media https://t.co/WndafWAqSH
— Panamá En Directo (@panamaendirecto) October 9, 2026
Footage from Panama shows the situation following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake. At the time of writing, contrary to prior reports, significant damage does not appear to have occurred. https://t.co/rsERmsiMI5
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 9, 2026
WATCH: Footage shows damage inside buildings following a massive earthquake in Panama. https://t.co/agV2ouU15Z
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 9, 2026
Tsunami warning issued for nine countries following Panama earthquake
The US tsunami warning system has indicated that tidal waves could strike within three hours along the coastlines of Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, and Colombia, placing millions of coastal residents on high alert.
