Powerful 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Panama, Damaging Buildings and Triggering Mass Evacuations

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, October 9, sending residents rushing into the streets, damaging buildings and triggering widespread evacuations as authorities assessed the impact of one of the country’s strongest recent earthquakes.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake struck at a depth of approximately 12.6 kilometres, with its epicentre about 12 kilometres west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, in a sparsely populated region. The tremors were felt across the country, including in Panama City, where office workers and residents evacuated high-rise buildings amid fears of further shaking.

The prolonged tremor caused panic among residents unfamiliar with earthquakes of such intensity. Buildings were shaken, household objects fell and damage was reported in several areas. In Penonomé and other communities, authorities reported structural damage to buildings, while some roads and public facilities were also affected.

More than 40 aftershocks followed the main earthquake, keeping residents on alert and complicating initial assessments. Electricity outages were reported in six provinces, adding to concerns about essential services and the safety of damaged structures.

Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning for parts of the region, but the warning was later lifted. Emergency teams continued monitoring conditions and assessing damage as information emerged from affected communities.

Despite the earthquake’s magnitude, Panama appeared to have avoided widespread destruction. No deaths or injuries were immediately reported in the initial assessments cited by Reuters, although authorities continued evaluating the situation.

Critical infrastructure, including the Panama Canal and the Cobre Panama copper mine, reported normal operations following the tremor. Operations at Tocumen International Airport were temporarily disrupted before flights resumed, helping limit the immediate impact on transport and international connectivity.

President José Raúl Mulino visited affected areas as emergency officials coordinated the response. The USGS estimated that economic losses could range from 1% to 10% of Panama’s gross domestic product, although the actual cost will depend on the extent of the damage.

The earthquake has highlighted Panama’s vulnerability to powerful seismic events despite such major tremors being relatively uncommon in the country. Its location near active tectonic systems means earthquakes remain a significant natural hazard.

As inspections continue, authorities face the task of identifying unsafe buildings, restoring disrupted services and providing reliable information to residents. The scale of the damage will become clearer as emergency teams complete their assessments.