Updated October 9, 2026, 9:17 p.m. ET
A major earthquake shook Panama on October 9, the United States Geological Survey reported.
The quake measured a preliminary magnitude of 7.7, the USGS said, with the epicenter just under nine miles southwest of Pitaloza Arriba.
The quake struck just before 1:56 p.m. ET, and it was not immediately clear whether the quake caused any injuries or damage.
According to the National Tsunami Warning Center, the earthquake triggered a tsunami threat.
Initially, the USGS reported that the earthquake measured 8.0 magnitude.
US government ‘mobilizing’ to provide aid, Rubio says
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was “closely monitoring the situation” in Panama and that the State Department was “quickly mobilizing resources and personnel to assist” at the request of the Panamanian government.
For Americans nationwide, Rubio shared a State Department tip line on his official X account. The number for callers in the United States and Canada is +1-888-407-4747. The number for everywhere else is +1-202-501-4444.
This Central American country has a large population of expats from the United States. Tens of thousands of Americans are estimated to live in the country.
“The whole government is mobilizing,” declares the president
The entire government of Panama is mobilized to respond to the earthquake, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said Friday.
“I have given instructions to mobilize personnel, resources and help those affected,” Mulino said in a statement on his official X account. “The entire government is mobilizing to provide a response.”
Mulino added: “I will personally participate in the actions and coordination in the most affected areas.”
Government officials will give a press conference to inform the country of the situation, the president said, without specifying when.
US Embassy: “Assess potential damage”
The US Embassy in Panama, in an article on X, said it was “assessing the potential damage” caused by the major earthquake.
The agency said it was caring for the welfare and plight of U.S. visitors and personnel and asked U.S. citizens in the country to register at http://STEP.State.gov as well as follow the embassy’s social media accounts for the latest information.
Panamanian president calls for calm
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino calls for calm in the Central American country following the earthquake.
“The event should not be used to create alarm and disorder,” Mulino said in a statement posted on his official X account.
The president said government agencies were investigating the earthquake and would also “call for calm.”
Aftershock reported after first earthquake
The USGS reported that a magnitude 5.8 aftershock occurred shortly after the initial earthquake, just over 10.2 miles south of Cacao, Panama.
The earthquake did not affect the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal Authority reports that the country’s waterway is operating normally.
Panama earthquake felt in Costa Rica
The tremor was not only felt in the capital, Panama City, but also in the capital of neighboring Costa Rica, Reuters reported.
Potential tsunami threats in Central America
The U.S. tsunami warning system showed “potential” tsunami threats across the country, as well as in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.
Earthquake Magnitudes
Here are the effects of earthquakes of different magnitudes, according to Michigan Technological University:
- Below 2.5: generally not felt
- 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage
- 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings
- 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage
- 7.0 to 7.9: Major earthquake, significant damage
- 8.0 or higher: massive damage, can destroy communities
Contributor: Reuters
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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