Magnitude‑7 earthquake hits Panama, briefly halts flights
Written by AI from 3 reports listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI
A powerful earthquake struck Panama on Friday 9 October 2026, with the University of Panama measuring an initial magnitude of 7.2 and another source reporting a magnitude of 7.7.
By late afternoon more than 40 aftershocks had been recorded, including a 6.9 tremor at 3:25 p.m. and a 6.6 aftershock, and the quake disrupted water supplies and briefly halted flights.
The U.S. State Department activated two USAR technical teams of 20 personnel and a Disaster Assistance Response Team, and authorized the use of two helicopters for relief operations.