A strong earthquake struck off Panama’s southern coast, prompting local and regional tsunami warnings and immediate emergency checks. The U.S. Geological Survey initially estimated the quake at magnitude 8.0 before lowering it to 7.7. The tremor occurred at 1:56 p.m. ET and had a depth of 7.8 miles near Pitaloza Arriba, Panama.
A 5.5 magnitude aftershock followed, with its epicenter roughly 50 miles east of the initial shock. Reuters reported the quake was felt in Panama City and in San José, Costa Rica. Tsunami officials warned waves of 3 to 10 feet above tide levels could strike some Panamanian coastlines, while parts of Ecuador faced waves of 1 to 3 feet. Smaller waves under one foot were forecast for several other Pacific coastal areas, and authorities said a Pacific wide tsunami was not expected.
The Panama Canal said operations continued normally while emergency protocols were activated and technical teams inspected facilities for damage. Canal officials said their priority was ensuring the safety of workers, crews, vessels and nearby communities as assessments proceeded. No immediate information on casualties or widespread structural damage was available.
Impact And Response
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in posts on X that he was visiting affected areas and coordinating emergency assistance. Mulino ordered the mobilization of personnel, resources and aid for communities, and he directed structural assessments to determine the extent of damage. He thanked neighboring countries for support and said assistance from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean would be used to help those affected.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department was rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel to assist Panama at its request, and he provided consular hotline numbers for Americans needing help. The U.S. Embassy in Panama said it was assessing potential damage and working to account for visitors and personnel. The embassy also urged Americans in Panama to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at STEP.State.gov for updates.
Experts and authorities continued to emphasize uncertainty as assessments proceed. Michigan Technological University notes that earthquakes in the 7.0 to 7.9 range can cause serious damage, a caution that authorities used while inspecting infrastructure and organizing relief. Officials said rescue and inspection teams remain on alert and that further advisories will follow as more data and field reports arrive.
