International
oi-Swastika Sruti
Strong tremors near Panama led to Tsunami warnings in nearby coastal areas and also advised the residents to stay alert. The earthquake, which struck on Friday morning, initially raised concerns about hazardous waves along parts of Central and South America.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Panama on Friday, prompting tsunami warnings for Pacific coastal areas across Central and South America, including Hawaii; the tsunami threat has since ended, but residents are advised to remain observant.
The US Tsunami Warning System had warned that potentially dangerous waves could affect several countries along the Pacific coast, including Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. Hawaii was also included in the initial tsunami threat information.
The latest update indicates that the tsunami threat has ended. However, residents near the sea have been advised to remain observant and follow local safety guidance.
Today we witnessed a tragedy in Panama, an earthquake even stronger than the one in Venezuela shook the country. However, there was no tragedy on the level of Venezuela where we saw tragic images impossible to forgetSomeday there must be justice https://t.co/rnrLlQELyR
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatter6) October 9, 2026
Where Did The 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strike?
The US Geological Survey (USGS) revealed that the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.6, and it took place near the southern part of Panama on Friday.
The earthquake’s epicenter was reported to be 10 kilometers (6 miles) south-west of Pitaloza Arriba, a small community, which is situated not far from a village named La Pitaloza. This place is located close to the Pacific coastline of Panama and has quite low population.
At first, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the magnitude of the earthquake was 8.0, but then it reduced it to 7.6. Moreover, according to the reports made by Associated Press, some areas of neighbouring Colombia were also affected by the earthquake.
Shocking scenes show severely damaged roads following a reported 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Panama https://t.co/1akz0TwAaC
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) October 10, 2026
The proximity of the earthquake’s epicenter to the Pacific coast led to the assessment of the potential tsunami threat.
Tremors Felt In Panama City And Costa Rica
The earthquake was felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and frightened residents rushed outdoors. People gathered in the streets while waiting for information about possible damage and the impact of the tremors.
Witnesses also reported feeling the earthquake in San José, the capital of Costa Rica.
In Panama, the tremors caused particular concern in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos. Omar Smith of the National Civil Protection Service told local broadcaster Telemetro Reporta that the reported damage was concentrated mainly in these provinces. He said there were no reports of damage in the capital at that stage and urged residents to remain calm.
The ground is shaking violently during massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake has reportedly hit Panama https://t.co/CEAP0D97ga
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) October 10, 2026
Residents Report Damage Inside Homes
Although there were no immediate reports of major damage in the initial updates, residents described the earthquake as frightening.
Rosendo Dominguez, a 60-year-old resident of Herrera province, told the Associated Press that the shaking was strong enough to knock objects over in his kitchen.
He said the family was safe but frightened by the experience. Reports also indicated that aftershocks continued to shake areas following the main earthquake.
The Panama Canal Authority said the canal was operating normally after the earthquake, providing an early indication that the important waterway had not reported disruption in the initial assessment.
