By Marcos A. Tejeda
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
The Sun Post News
October 9, 2026 — Developing story
A powerful earthquake struck Panama on Friday, damaging buildings, prompting evacuations and interrupting transportation and electricity services. Repeated aftershocks heightened concern as authorities assessed the damage.
The main earthquake occurred at 12:56 p.m. in Panama, corresponding to 1:56 p.m. in Florida. The U.S. Geological Survey’s technical record listed a revised magnitude of 7.7 and a depth of 12.6 kilometers. The available reports did not provide a consolidated official count of deaths or injuries at the time of this edition.
Why earthquake measurements differed
The USGS located the earthquake approximately 12 kilometers west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba. Panama’s University of Panama Geosciences Institute reported a magnitude of 7.2, placing the event northwest of Tonosí, according to local broadcaster ECO TV.
These measurements come from separate assessments and should be identified by their source. Early earthquake estimates can change as monitoring agencies receive additional seismic records and refine their analysis, the USGS explains. Readers encountering different numbers should check the issuing agency and whether the measurement is preliminary or revised.
Structural damage reported in Penonomé
Local newspaper La Estrella de Panamá reported that part of a church tower fell in Penonomé, in Coclé province. It also reported a collapse at the Dos Continentes hotel, while emphasizing that the extent of the damage and any injuries or trapped occupants still required official confirmation.
Those preliminary accounts establish concerns about structural damage, but they do not provide a verified casualty count or establish that an entire building collapsed.
Panama’s civil protection agency, Sinaproc, urged residents to stay away from visibly damaged structures, report hazards and rely on official information rather than rumors, according to the newspaper.
Aftershocks keep residents on alert
The Associated Press reported a second earthquake measuring 6.6 and more than 45 aftershocks recorded by University of Panama specialists during the initial hours. Several measured above magnitude 5, while others were too weak to be felt.
The USGS describes aftershocks as smaller earthquakes occurring in the same general area after a larger event. They can continue well beyond the initial emergency, making continued monitoring and inspections particularly important around damaged buildings.
Tsunami threat prompted regional monitoring
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a threat message following the main earthquake. The Associated Press subsequently reported that the warning had been lifted. Residents in coastal communities should continue following local authorities’ instructions concerning evacuated areas, beaches and ports.
In Panama City, EFE journalists observed preventive evacuations of buildings in the former banking district. President José Raúl Mulino called for calm and asked government agencies to report on the earthquake’s effects.
Airport interruption, but Canal traffic continues
Tocumen International Airport announced a temporary closure for safety assessments. The Panama Canal reported that vessel transit continued normally while technical teams inspected its facilities under emergency protocols.
Reuters also reported electricity outages across six provinces, citing power distributor Naturgy.
What Central Florida readers should check
For Central Florida residents with relatives in Panama, direct contact with family members can help establish their immediate circumstances. Reports circulating online should be checked for their location, publication time and source before being shared.
Travelers should confirm their flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport. The reported interruption at Tocumen does not establish the status of every scheduled flight, and conditions may change as inspections proceed.
Authorities’ assessments of homes, roads and essential services will determine the full scope of the emergency. This edition reflects information available Friday afternoon; the human and material toll remains subject to further verification.
