Rare, powerful earthquake hits Panama, spares Panama Canal
News Source
β’Sat, 10 Oct 2026 04:20:59 +0000
π° What Happened
A powerful earthquake struck Panama on Saturday. It had a strength of 7.7. It collapsed buildings and roads in the centre of the country. The quake was felt by many of Panama's 4.5 million people.
Officials said there were no reports of deaths so far. Some people were trapped in collapsed buildings. Panama City's airport closed for a time. More than 80 aftershocks followed, one stronger than magnitude 6.0.
π The Backstory
Strong earthquakes are rare in Panama. The country sits between two major moving plates of the Earth's surface. The Panama Canal, a key trade route, was not damaged and kept working. A tsunami warning was issued and later lifted.
President Jose Raul Mulino called it a major disaster. He went to the town of Penonome to lead the response. The same weekend, Hurricane Isaias hit the US Gulf Coast near a different Panama City in Florida.
π― Why It Matters
The Panama Canal carries a large share of world trade. Damage there would raise prices for goods everywhere. The quake also reminds people how sudden disasters can be.
A powerful earthquake struck Panama on Saturday. It had a strength of 7.7. It collapsed buildings and roads in the centre of the country. The quake was felt by many of Panama's 4.5 million people.
Officials said there were no reports of deaths so far. Some people were trapped in collapsed buildings. Panama City's airport closed for a time. More than 80 aftershocks followed, one stronger than magnitude 6.0.
Strong earthquakes are rare in Panama. The country sits between two major moving plates of the Earth's surface. The Panama Canal, a key trade route, was not damaged and kept working. A tsunami warning was issued and later lifted.
President Jose Raul Mulino called it a major disaster. He went to the town of Penonome to lead the response. The same weekend, Hurricane Isaias hit the US Gulf Coast near a different Panama City in Florida.
The Panama Canal carries a large share of world trade. Damage there would raise prices for goods everywhere. The quake also reminds people how sudden disasters can be.