Panama Earthquake

Official reports from the Panamanian Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicate that a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama at noon on October 9, 2026, followed by over a hundred aftershocks and a magnitude 6.6 earthquake. Earthquake Basic Information • Main Shock Time: October 9, 2026, 12:56 PM local time • Magnitude: 7.7 (USGS initially reported 8.0, later revised to 7.6, then adjusted to 7.7) • Epicenter Location: Approximately 10 km southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, Herrera Province (60 km southwest of Chitré, the provincial capital, and about 200 km from Panama City) • Focal Depth: Approximately 10 to 12.6 km (very shallow earthquake) • Subsequent Strong Shocks: A magnitude 6.6 earthquake occurred again on October 10, accompanied by over 100 aftershocks (some ranging from magnitude 5.8, 6.0 to 6.9) Disaster and Response Overview • Casualties: As of current statistics, at least 27 to 30 people have sustained minor injuries; no reports of deaths or missing persons have been received yet. • National State of Emergency: Panamanian President Mulino declared a national state of emergency on the 10th, authorizing the use of up to $100 million in funds to expedite humanitarian aid.