A powerful earthquake struck off the southern coast of Panama. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center issued a statement warning of possible “hazardous” tsunami waves along the coasts of almost all Central American countries in the Pacific, as well as Colombia, Ecuador and Peru within the next three hours.
The Chilean Navy's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service also issued a tsunami warning. The US center also said there was a tsunami threat for Hawaii.
Videos of damage to structures in Penonomé then the tremor of 7.2 degrees. https://t.co/DS0Vg4ql1I
— La Prensa Panamá (@prensacom) October 9, 2026
According to information from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the initial estimate for the magnitude of the earthquake was 8 on the Richter scale, however, according to a second revised estimate, the magnitude was 7.7 on the Richter scale.
Panama depresses #earthquake https://t.co/IN5eIpS9ls
— Fenerline (@prgfb34) October 9, 2026
People fled their buildings seconds after the quake struck. Many posted videos on social media of the moment the tremors struck and what followed. Witnesses who spoke to Reuters said the quake was felt particularly in Panama City and the capital of neighboring Costa Rica. ©LAPSI.al
