A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Panama’s southern coast on Friday, rattling the capital and prompting authorities to assess a possible tsunami threat.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the event as a magnitude 8.0 before revising it downward to 7.7. The temblor occurred at 1:56 p.m. ET at a depth of roughly 6 miles, with its epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba, Panama.
A magnitude 5.5 aftershock struck about 50 miles east of the primary quake’s epicenter shortly thereafter.
Over 3,000 missing after Colombia quake as Trump administration allocates $15.5M in aid
People stand outside the maternity ward of the Santo Tomas hospital, following a severe magnitude 8 earthquake thet hit the country, in Panama City on October 9, 2026. (Photo by Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images)
The tremor was felt across Panama City and extended into San José, the capital of neighboring Costa Rica, as reported by Reuters.
Tsunami advisories indicated that coastal zones of Panama could experience waves of 3 to 10 feet above normal tide levels, while parts of Ecuador might see modest surges of about 1 to 3 feet.
Forecasters also warned of minor tsunami activity—less than one foot above tide levels—potentially affecting coastlines in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru.
A building in Colombia collapsed on camera as the earthquake caused deaths and destruction
Medical workers and patients gather outside a hospital following a powerful earthquake in Panama on Oct. 9, 2026. (Photo by Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images)
While coastal communities remained on alert, authorities concluded that a broad Pacific-wide tsunami was unlikely.
Seismic events in the 7.0 to 7.9 magnitude range are capable of inflicting substantial damage, experts from Michigan Technological University note.
Details regarding injuries, fatalities or structural damage have not yet been released by officials.
People gather in a Panama City square after evacuating a building following a powerful earthquake. (Arnulfo Franco/AFP via Getty Images)
This is a developing story; check back later for updates.
Brittany Miller is a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and former Independent reporter who graduated from Syracuse University in 2023.
Also Read
- Junk Bond Market Shows Early Warning Signs as Spreads Widen, Investors Urged to Stay Vigilant
- Federal Deficit Reaches $2 Trillion in FY2026 as Debt Servicing Costs Escalate
- Queen Suthida Achieves First Solo Flight in Fighter Jet
- Scotts Bessent to Skip Imf And World Bank Meetings In Bangkok Amidst Official Duties WASHINGTON — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be absent from this month’s annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Bangkok. The Treasury Department stated on Friday that his departure is necessary due to prior official duties at home. RYOHEI YASOSHIMA October 10, 2026 03:43 JST U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been confirmed to miss the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Bangkok this month. The agency highlighted that the absence reflects scheduled federal responsibilities overseas before the sovereign summit arrives.