The tremor initially measured magnitude 8.0 before being downgraded to 7.6 and eventually 7.7. It originated near Pitaloza Arriba, triggering tsunami alerts for nine countries, including Colombia and Mexico, and causing internet connectivity disruptions across Panama. While panic spread in the capital city, the US Tsunami Warning Center later confirmed that no tsunami threat exists for Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, or California.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Story
USGS Estimates Panama Quake Losses Up to 10% of GDP After Raising Magnitude to 7.7
World11 days ago
Building interiors in Penonome have been ravaged and flights are being diverted after a powerful earthquake struck southern Panama on Oct. 9. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a "red pager" warning, stating that economic losses from the disaster could reach 1% to 10% of the nation's gross domestic product. The USGS also revised the event's magnitude to 7.7 at a depth of 12.6 km, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters are possible along some coasts of Panama and 0.3 to 1 meter for Ecuador.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.