A magnitude 7.6 earthquake shakes Panama; at least 27 injured, no deaths reported yet
A strong earthquake struck southwest Panama on Friday, Reuters, NBC, CBS and ABC News reported, with the US Geological Survey (USGS) giving the magnitude as 7.6 in Reuters’ report while NBC and CBS said 7.7. A tsunami threat was issued and later withdrawn, ABC and the Volkskrant said. France 24 and Le Figaro reported at least 27 injured and collapsed buildings and roads, mainly in the centre of the country, and Le Monde said hundreds of aftershocks closed the international airport temporarily and suspended classes. ANSA said there were no deaths or missing people so far. The Japan Times said the country appeared to have been spared the destruction of other recent powerful quakes in the region.
A quake of this size near a populated coast is dangerous, and Panama’s canal and shipping lanes matter to world trade.
There is no direct effect on Australia. Travellers to Panama should check airline and Smartraveller updates.
Watch for a rise in the casualty count and any word on the canal and ports.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 7 · Morning · SUN., OCT. 11, 2026