Panama: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, October 9, damaging homes, disrupting electricity supplies across six provinces and forcing the suspension of flights at Tocumen International Airport. The earthquake also triggered more than a dozen aftershocks, prompting residents to evacuate buildings amid concerns about further damage.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 12.6 kilometres near La Pitaloza in Herrera province. The agency warned that casualties were possible, although the report did not provide a confirmed casualty toll.
Panama’s civil protection agency reported damage in several areas, including Chitre in Herrera province and parts of Los Santos. Videos verified by Reuters showed a damaged church and collapsed buildings in Penonome. Classes were suspended nationwide, while the Metro service in Panama City was halted as authorities assessed the situation.
What Was the Impact on Infrastructure and Transport?
Electricity provider Naturgy reported power outages across six provinces, while Tocumen International Airport, a major regional aviation hub, suspended flights. Traffic congestion increased in Panama City as offices released employees early and residents sought information about possible structural damage.
The Panama Canal continued operating normally despite the earthquake. Monitoring data from LSEG’s Workspace showed that around 90 vessels, including bulk carriers, tankers and container ships, were waiting at both ends of the waterway to transit or dock.
The USGS estimated that economic losses could range from 1% to 10% of Panama’s gross domestic product, although the overall extent of the damage remained unclear.
What Caused the Earthquake and Is There a Tsunami Threat?
Nestor Luque, director of Panama’s geosciences institute, attributed the earthquake to the Azuero-Sona Fault System, where accumulated geological stress can trigger the release of seismic energy. Tremors were felt across the country, with officials in Panama City reporting prolonged shaking.
Residents described strong vibrations lasting several seconds, while aftershocks continued to rattle the country. The shaking was also felt in San Jose, the capital of neighbouring Costa Rica, according to a Reuters witness.
The US Tsunami Warning System said the tsunami threat associated with the earthquake had passed, with no further tsunami danger expected. Panama was scheduled to conduct a national evacuation drill the following Monday to test emergency response capabilities.