A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Panama’s southern coast Friday, sending tremors through Panama City as authorities assessed whether the undersea quake could trigger a tsunami.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially recorded the earthquake at magnitude 8.0 before revising the estimate to 7.7. The quake hit at 1:56 p.m. ET at a depth of about 7.8 miles near Pitaloza Arriba, Panama.
A magnitude 5.5 aftershock struck afterward, with its epicenter located roughly 50 miles east of the main quake.
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People gather outside the maternity ward at Santo Tomas Hospital after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama City on Oct. 9, 2026. (Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images)
The shaking was felt in Panama City and reached San José, the capital of neighboring Costa Rica, Reuters reported.
Tsunami authorities said waves measuring 3 to 10 feet above tide levels could reach some coastal sections of Panama. Parts of Ecuador were also warned about waves of roughly 1 to 3 feet.
Coastal areas of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru were forecast to see smaller waves measuring less than 1 foot above normal tide levels.
Medical staff and patients gather outside a hospital after a powerful earthquake struck Panama on Oct. 9, 2026. (Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday on X that the State Department was quickly deploying personnel and resources to help Panama at the request of its government. He said the United States was closely tracking the earthquake and advised Americans seeking assistance to call the department’s 24-hour consular hotline at +1-202-501-4444 from overseas or +1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama said it was evaluating possible damage and working to confirm the safety and locations of American visitors and embassy personnel. The embassy also encouraged Americans in the country to register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at STEP.State.gov and monitor its social media channels for further information.
Although coastal communities near the epicenter faced potential tsunami impacts, officials said a tsunami spanning the Pacific Ocean was not expected.
According to Michigan Technological University, earthquakes with magnitudes from 7.0 to 7.9 are capable of causing significant damage.
Authorities had not immediately released details about possible damage, injuries or fatalities linked to Friday’s earthquake.
People gather in a Panama City plaza after evacuating a building following a powerful earthquake. (Arnulfo Franco/AFP via Getty Images)
This is a developing story; check back later for updates.
