Panama Earthquake Tsunami Alert: What It Means for the US

TL;DR

• A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Panama’s Pacific coast on Friday, October 9.

• The earthquake triggered tsunami alerts across parts of Central and South America.

• Hawaii and the US West Coast were initially monitored, but authorities have confirmed there is no tsunami threat to the US.

• Tsunami alerts for Central and South America have since been lifted.

• Tocumen International Airport in Panama suspended flights following the earthquake.

• If you’re traveling to or through Panama, check your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport.

Is there a tsunami warning for Hawaii?

No. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially said it was too early to rule out a threat to Hawaii and flagged 7:05 pm as the earliest possible arrival time.

By 8:38 am Hawaii time, it confirmed that a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami was not expected.

So no evacuations, and your beach plans can stay as they are.

Is the West Coast at risk?

No. The National Weather Service initially indicated that waves were possible along the West Coast, but later confirmed that tsunamis were not expected to reach the US.

A magnitude 6.6 aftershock hit a few hours later. For that earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System listed no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat for Washington, Oregon, California, or Alaska.

What about Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the Gulf Coast?

The earthquake occurred on Panama’s Pacific side, and none of the alerts included those areas.

Which areas were under a tsunami alert?

Hazardous waves were initially considered possible within three hours along parts of the Pacific coasts of:

• Panama

• Colombia

• Costa Rica

• Ecuador

• Peru

• Nicaragua

• Guatemala

• El Salvador

• Mexico

• Chile also issued its own alert.

By Friday afternoon, the tsunami threat had passed.

What happened in Panama?

The USGS measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.7, approximately 12 km west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, at a depth of 12.6 km.

Early reports placed the magnitude between 7.6 and 8.0.

Buildings were damaged in Penonomé, Chitré, and Los Santos province, while power outages affected six provinces.

Schools were closed nationwide, and no deaths had been confirmed at the time of writing.

Is it safe to travel to Panama right now?

If you’re heading to Panama in the next few days, here’s what to check:

Your flight: Tocumen International Airport suspended flights following the earthquake. Since Tocumen is also Copa Airlines’ main hub, connections throughout Latin America may be affected. Check your airline’s app before heading to the airport.

Your hotel: If you’re staying outside Panama City, call ahead to confirm everything is operating normally, particularly in Herrera and Los Santos, where damage was reported.

The Panama Canal: If you’re traveling on a cruise, the Panama Canal continued operating normally following the earthquake.

Aftershocks: More than a dozen aftershocks have followed the initial earthquake, so additional shaking remains possible.

Already in Panama? Follow local authorities, avoid damaged buildings, and let family or friends know you’re OK.

Panama Earthquake FAQ

Is there a tsunami warning for Hawaii after the Panama earthquake?

No. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami was not expected, and there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii.

Will the Panama earthquake cause a tsunami in California?

No. The National Weather Service confirmed that tsunamis were not expected to reach the US, including California and the rest of the West Coast.

How strong was the Panama earthquake?

The USGS measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.7, at a depth of 12.6 km off Panama’s Pacific coast.

Are flights to Panama cancelled?

Tocumen International Airport suspended flights following the earthquake. Travelers should check directly with their airline for the latest information about cancellations and delays.

Is the Panama Canal open?

Yes. The Panama Canal continued operating normally following the earthquake.