The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Panama on Friday (October 9) caused significant damage to buildings and road infrastructure, prompting the country’s president, José Raúl Mulino, describing it as a “major disaster.” Despite the damage, the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most important trade routes, continues to operate normally, as does Tocumen International Airport, while emergency protocols have been activated and inspections are being conducted at its facilities.

The United States announced that it is mobilizing personnel and resources to provide assistance, while authorities are urging citizens to remain calm due to ongoing aftershocks.

“Major disaster” in Panama – Buildings and roads have collapsed

The powerful earthquake struck southern Panama, causing extensive property damage in some areas near the epicenter.

The country’s president, José Raúl Mulino, described it as a “major disaster,” noting that buildings collapsed and sections of the road network sustained extremely serious damage.

#AHORA – Earthquake in Panama

Hotel collapsed in Playa Venao.

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https://t.co/mdQwqpdOaV

— DatoWorld (@DatosAme24) October 9, 2026

He made special mention of roads that, as he said, “completely collapsed” in the areas hardest hit by the earthquake.

Images from the affected areas show damage to homes, public buildings, and infrastructure, while power outages were reported in six provinces across the country.

A massive magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama, shaking buildings more than 100 miles away and prompting evacuations, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

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Tremors were felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and people evacuated into the streets. https://t.co/46kFq5wpSV https://t.co/jsr5g6uLDv

— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 9, 2026

According to initial estimates by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale and a focal depth of approximately 12.6 kilometers. Panamanian authorities put the magnitude at 7.2.

Despite the magnitude of the quake and the resulting damage, as of Friday evening, no fatalities had been reported, while the relevant agencies continued to assess the damage and inspect the affected areas.

Multiple buildings collapsed across the country following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake. The University of Panama’s Institute of Seismology continues to report aftershocks. https://t.co/OhzTwtAX17

— Destino Panamá (@destinopanama_) October 9, 2026

The Panama Canal is operating normally—inspections are underway

Despite the severe impact of the earthquake on other parts of the country, the Panama Canal continues to operate without interruption, according to the relevant authorities.

The Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes and plays a crucial role in the transport of goods between the two oceans.

The canal’s operator, Ilia Marota, announced in a post on the X platform that operations are continuing as normal, despite the strong earthquake.

Without a doubt, Penonomé, the capital of the Panamanian province of Coclé, has been one of the areas most affected by the strong earthquake.

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The Dos Caminos hotel was partially destroyed, as were the provincial government building and the San Juan Bautista church.

May God protect the people of Panama.

— Obstinado (@05t1n40) October 9, 2026

“Emergency protocols have been put in place, and inspections are underway. Safety remains our top priority,” the official said.

The relevant agencies are conducting inspections of the infrastructure to determine whether any damage was caused by the earthquake or the aftershocks.

The Canal Authority also clarified that reports of damage to the locks at the Agua Clara facilities have not been confirmed, assuring that ship traffic is proceeding normally.

Tocumen International Airport is also operating normally

Panama’s Tocumen International Airport resumed operations on Friday (October 9), after the necessary inspections of its facilities were completed to determine whether any damage had been caused by the powerful earthquake.

According to a statement from the airport’s management, the inspections showed that there was no significant damage that would prevent its safe operation, allowing flight operations to resume.

“Prior to the resumption, the runways, taxiways, airport facilities, and the control tower, and no damage was reported that would prevent the resumption of operations,” the airport’s statement noted.

This development comes on top of the continued normal operation of the Panama Canal, as two critical pieces of infrastructure for international transportation and trade continue to operate, despite the destruction caused by the earthquake in other parts of the country.

Rubio: The U.S. is mobilizing resources and personnel to help

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced that Washington is mobilizing resources and personnel to address the aftermath of the earthquake.

In a post on the X platform, the head of U.S. diplomacy stated: “I am closely monitoring reports of the earthquake in southern Panama. The United States stands with the people of Panama.”

Rubio clarified that the mobilization of U.S. agencies is taking place following a request from the government of the Central American country.

“At the request of the Panamanian government, the State Department is rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel to provide assistance,” he added.

At the same time, he reminded U.S. citizens in Panama that they can request consular assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should they encounter problems due to seismic activity.

Authorities’ Warning About Aftershocks and False Predictions

The need to remain calm was emphasized by the director general of Panama’s National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), Omar Smith Gajardo, as the country continues to experience aftershocks.

The head of Civil Protection urged citizens not to be swayed by unconfirmed information and posts circulating on social media, especially those that attempt to predict new strong earthquakes.

“We should not pay attention to these predictions of earthquakes that will occur at night. First of all, this is false, and second, it creates more anxiety. Earthquakes cannot be predicted. We have not yet developed that technology,” he said in a video posted on Sinaproc’s official account on the X platform.

Gajardo insisted that citizens should rely exclusively on official announcements from the relevant authorities, avoiding the spread of rumors that could cause unwarranted panic.

“Maintaining calm is the priority,” he stressed.

Aftershock activity remains intense, with dozens of tremors recorded since the main quake, while authorities continue to inspect the affected areas and assess the damage.

Source: Protothema.gr