A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama in Central America on Friday (October 9), at a shallow depth of only about 12.6 kilometers, violently shaking the capital and many areas in the country’s central region — even forcing a live sports program to go off the air. Footage shows studio lights and the ceiling swaying violently, with glasses falling to the floor. The five hosts and commentators initially tried to stay calm, but ultimately hurriedly put down their microphones and fled the studio with their heads covered, the dramatic moment all caught on camera.
¡Esperemos que todos se encuentren bien!🙏 Momento en el que tuvimos que suspender nuestra transmisión. Nuestros compañeros e invitados también se encuentran bien🙏. #Sismo #Panama #Temblor https://t.co/gfTNfk6eG2
— Deportes RPC (@deportes_rpc) October 9, 2026
The earthquake was highly unusual for Panama. According to AFP, it was at least the fourth earthquake of magnitude 7.0 or greater to hit Latin America this year. The strong quake lasted about one minute, and Panama City, roughly 200 kilometers from the epicenter, also felt pronounced shaking, with people rushing out of high-rise buildings. Some buildings collapsed and roads were damaged in central Panama, and authorities recorded more than a dozen strong aftershocks, one of which exceeded magnitude 6.0.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino declared the event a “major disaster,” while the Ministry of Education announced a nationwide suspension of classes. The capital’s international airport was also temporarily closed, with multiple flights diverted to other airports. Officials have not yet released confirmed casualty figures, and authorities continue to assess the damage.
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. 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
