A major M7.6 earthquake struck central Panama at 17:56 UTC (12:56 local time) on October 9, 2026, causing structural damage, injuries, widespread evacuations and disruptions to electricity, transportation and public services. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) ended the associated tsunami threat at 19:40 UTC, while authorities continued assessing damage and monitoring aftershocks.
El Salvador declared a nationwide Red Alert for meteorological and agricultural drought on August 25, while Honduras expanded its drought Red Alert from 75 to 103 municipalities on August 26. Panama also declared a national state of emergency under Resolution No. 102-26 in response to El Niño-related risks, including drought, flooding and landslides. The measures come amid rainfall deficits, prolonged dry periods and increasing water stress as El Niño continues to strengthen.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit south of Panama at 17:16 UTC on July 14, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 18 km (11.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit south of Panama at 14:50 UTC on March 21, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit the Panama-Colombia border region at 03:05 UTC on May 25, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 40 km (25 miles).
Panama’s authorities have limited shipping traffic in the Panama Canal due to a severe drought that depletes the water reserves of two artificial lakes — Alhajuela and Gatun — supplying the vital waterway.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit south of Panama at 22:18 UTC on April 4, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 12 km (7.4 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
A strong and shallow earthquake, registered by the USGS as M6.7, hit south of Panama at 11:57 UTC on October 20, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 10 km.
Hurricane “Julia” made landfall over Nicaragua on October 9, 2022, as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale and left at least 28 people dead across Central America before dissipating.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit south of Panama at 11:14 UTC on January 28, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 2 km (1.2 miles). The epicenter was located about 284 km…
