Panama earthquake: Aftershocks, outages and travel disruptions continue after magnitude 7.7 quake

Panama earthquake aftershocks may continue following the magnitude 7.7 quake that struck near La Pitaloza at 12:56 p.m. local time on October 9, 2026, with authorities warning that additional tremors could still cause damage.

U.S. citizens in Panama are being advised to stay away from damaged structures and closely follow local emergency broadcasts and official guidance.

Tocumen International Airport remains operational

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is operating, although travelers may continue to face flight cancellations, delays or schedule changes following the earthquake.

Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status before traveling to the airport.

Road damage and closures possible

Some roads may be damaged or closed, particularly around bridges and overpasses, as authorities continue inspecting infrastructure affected by the powerful earthquake.

Drivers should avoid damaged areas and follow instructions from police and emergency services.

Power and communications outages continue

Power and telecommunications disruptions are still being reported in parts of Panama, with Veraguas Province among the areas experiencing ongoing outages.

Residents and travelers should be prepared for additional interruptions to electricity, mobile networks and internet services.

Safety guidance after Panama earthquake

People in affected areas should notify family and friends about their location and condition, avoid entering damaged buildings and follow all instructions issued by local authorities.

Emergency officials are also urging residents to remain prepared for further aftershocks and possible disruptions as damage assessments and recovery operations continue.