Major Earthquake Strikes Panama, No Deaths Confirmed

3 min read

A major 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Panama on October 9, just before 1:00 p.m. local time, near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province. A second 6.6 magnitude earthquake followed, with at least 45 aftershocks reported. While no deaths have been confirmed, the United States Geological Survey predicts casualties could range from “dozens to hundreds.”

The earthquake, which was felt as far as San José, Costa Rica, triggered a Pacific Ocean tsunami threat for Panama and several neighboring countries, though it was later called off. Despite the tremor, Panama’s robust infrastructure has helped mitigate potential damage, though economic losses are expected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars.

Damage included the suspension of flights at Tocumen International Airport and the closure of two lines in the Panama City Metro. The Centennial Bridge showed signs of stress, but traffic across the Panama Canal remained unaffected. School was canceled nationwide for the day, and the nation mobilized resources to address the situation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered U.S. support, stating, “The United States stands with the people of Panama.” President José Raúl Mulino expressed gratitude for the assistance.

@SecRubio @FelipeChapman Muchas gracias Sr. Secretario. Valoramos mucho su mensaje y colaboración

@JoseRaulMulino on X

Residents in Costa Rica reported feeling the earthquake strongly, with one friend near the Panama border describing it as one of the strongest he had ever experienced. Social media videos showed damage in the region, though no major destruction was confirmed in his town.

Agradecemos a Dios por proteger al pueblo panameño. Vamos a activar de inmediato un plan de evaluación estructural y de apoyo a todas las personas damnificadas. https://t.co/14QSH5vlqN

@JoseRaulMulino on X

While the situation remains under close monitoring, the earthquake has not caused significant casualties, thanks to Panama’s well-prepared infrastructure. However, the economic impact could be substantial, with estimates reaching up to 1-10% of the country’s GDP.

#PANAMÁ: Terremoto de magnitud preliminar 7.7 interrumpe -en vivo- un programa deportivo en la ciudad de #Santiago 🇵🇦, a 60 km de distancia del epicentro.📍 Fuente: USGS.
Video: Deportes RPC. https://t.co/Q8vkPwvQ7p

@Asismet_IF on X

🇵🇦#AHORA – Terremoto en Panama Hotel colapsado, en Playa Venao. https://t.co/mdQwqpdOaV

@DatosAme24 on X

Afectación en la vía de Torio en Mariato, provincia de Veraguas tras fuerte movimiento sísmico en diversos puntos del país. https://t.co/tWHJMeVAAh

@traficocpanama on X

🚨 La vivienda del expresidente de Panamá, Ricardo Martinelli, colapsó tras el fuerte sismo de magnitud 7,7 registrado este viernes 9 de octubre. “Solo son pérdidas materiales”, expresó el exmandatario al referirse a los daños. Los detalles ⬇️
https://t.co/Hby5Mveslo https://t.co/QOv47AotO2

@ELTIEMPO on X

🚨 La vivienda del expresidente de Panamá, Ricardo Martinelli, colapsó tras el fuerte sismo de magnitud 7,7 registrado este viernes 9 de octubre. “Solo son pérdidas materiales”, expresó el exmandatario al referirse a los daños. Los detalles ⬇️
https://t.co/Hby5Mveslo https://t.co/QOv47AotO2

@ELTIEMPO on X

Panama’s Centennial Bridge cables shake VIOLENTLY but HOLD as it’s battered by earthquake Cars carry on driving across https://t.co/RmdObgODuT

@RT_Visual_on_X on X

Source: PJ Media

Written by

claire.thomson