Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Panama and Triggers Tsunami Threats

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama on Friday, shaking the Pacific side of the country and prompting potential tsunami threats for nine countries, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Tsunami Warning System. The alerts warn that hazardous waves could reach some coastlines within the next few hours.

The earthquake's epicenter was located 12 kilometers west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, Panama, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The agency reported the powerful seismic event, while the regional tsunami alerts identified multiple countries potentially at risk.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued potential tsunami threats for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia and Ecuador. The warning system said "hazardous tsunami waves" were possible along some coasts in the coming hours.

The alerts cover countries across Central America and the Pacific coast of South America, as well as Mexico. Panama, where the earthquake originated, was also included among the countries facing a potential tsunami threat.

The report published by ABC News on October 9, 2026, identified the situation as developing. The available information did not provide confirmed details about casualties, damage or whether tsunami waves had reached affected coastlines.