Peru

Lima, October 10, 2026. Peruvian media are covering the earthquake that struck Panama on Friday, October 9, from three angles: the material and human toll, the tsunami threat in the Pacific, and assistance to nationals.

According to the USGS, cited by Andina, the 7.7-magnitude earthquake had its epicenter 10 kilometers from Pitaloza Arriba, in the province of Herrera, at 12:56 local time. It was felt for about a minute in Panama, where thousands of people left buildings; the agency mentions the collapse of some buildings in the center of the country. Gestión and Correo, which cite EFE, note the preventive evacuation of buildings in the old banking district. Several reports locate the epicenter near Tonosí, 239 kilometers from the capital, and recall that the initial magnitude of 8.0 or 7.6 was corrected to 7.7.

RPP publishes the most detailed report, according to the Civil Protection (Sinaproc): 27 minor injuries, about 300 evacuees, and more than 400 affected buildings, including 142 homes, 188 schools, 13 churches, seven hotels, and nine bridges. No deaths or missing persons are reported. The Panamanian Geosciences Institute reduced the magnitude to 7.5, with over a hundred aftershocks. Correo reports the temporary closure of Tocumen Airport.

The tsunami aspect occupies an important place. The Hydrography Directorate of the Navy ruled out any danger for the Peruvian coast: "No genera tsunami en litoral peruano". Correo recalls that the American alert targeted the coasts of Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, and that Chile lifted the precaution for Easter Island after the correction from 8.0 to 7.7 by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Finally, the press relays reactions. The Peruvian Chancellery expresses "its sentiments of solidarity", is monitoring the situation, and publishes the phone number and email of the Consulate General in Panama. President José Raúl Mulino thanked Peru, among other countries, according to Correo. El Comercio quotes Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella: "¡Panamá no está sola!". Correo also reports messages from Rubén Blades, Sech, and Farruko, who offer their help.