Panama Hit by 7.7 Earthquake, Triggering Tsunami Warnings and Building Collapses

Key points

• The initial 7.7-magnitude quake hit at 1:56 p.m. ET, centered 6 miles southwest of Pitaloza Arriba at a depth of 6 miles.
• A second 6.6-magnitude quake struck approximately three hours later, accompanied by dozens of aftershocks, including several measuring 5.8.
• Tsunami warnings were issued for Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Peru.
• Buildings collapsed in Penonomé, including a cathedral and a hotel, while the governor's palace in Coclé province suffered significant damage.
• Panama City experienced widespread evacuations from skyscrapers, though the Panama Canal and Tocumen Airport resumed operations after inspections.

Background

Panama lies along the 'Ring of Fire,' a seismic zone where most global earthquakes occur. The last major damaging earthquake in the region was a 7.4-magnitude quake in 1991, centered in Costa Rica, which killed 23 people and injured 559. Recent seismic activity in the region includes a 4.2-magnitude quake in Puget Sound in late September 2026, though that event caused no damage.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and The Associated Press emphasized the immediate human impact, citing resident accounts of fear and evacuations in Panama City. The Guardian highlighted the economic implications, noting USGS estimates that losses could range from 1% to 10% of Panama's GDP, and reported that the Panama Canal and copper mines maintained normal operations. The New York Times focused on the seismic data, detailing the shake intensity and aftershock patterns. All sources agreed on the magnitude and timing but differed in emphasis: NBC and AP focused on safety and evacuations, while The Guardian and NYT highlighted infrastructure resilience and economic risk.

Why it matters

The earthquake underscores the seismic vulnerability of Central America and the potential for significant economic disruption in key trade routes like the Panama Canal. The widespread tsunami warnings and building collapses highlight the need for robust emergency response systems in the region.

What to watch

Authorities are monitoring for further aftershocks and assessing damage across central provinces. The US and Colombia have offered assistance, and Panama is preparing for a national evacuation drill next week to test emergency response protocols.