Two strong earthquakes shake Panama; the president declares a major disaster
A powerful earthquake struck Panama on Friday, with magnitude put at 7.6 by the U.S. Geological Survey, via Reuters and CTV, and 7.7 by CBC and Radio-Canada. Al Jazeera and the Age reported two strong quakes with aftershocks. The Guardian reported tsunami warnings, and Die Zeit reported they were lifted. President José Raúl Mulino called it a major disaster, Die Zeit and Livemint said; the Japan Times said the country avoided major destruction. Le Journal de Montréal spoke to Quebecers living there. A death toll is not yet confirmed.
Panama is a key shipping and aviation hub. Damage to ports or the canal would ripple into global supply chains.
Canadians with travel plans or family in Panama should check with Global Affairs Canada and airlines.
The figures differ between outlets, so wait for official counts before drawing conclusions.
DailyDrop Canada edition No. 6 · Morning · SAT., OCT. 10, 2026