Panama struck by magnitude 7.7 earthquake, U.S. Geological Survey says

October 9, 2026 / 2:46 PM EDT / CBS/AP Add CBS News on Google A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday morning, shaking buildings as far away as the capital and prompting evacuations, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center said there was a tsunami threat for Panama and Ecuador. The quake was centered near the southern tip of the Central American country, about 9 miles southwest of the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba, the USGS said.Tremors were felt in Panama City, where buildings shook and people evacuated into the streets. Visibly shaken residents gathered outside as they waited for news of the quake's impact. A nurse speaks on her cellphone outside the maternity ward of the Santo Tomas hospital, following an earthquake that hit Panama, in Panama City on Oct. 9, 2026. MARTIN BERNETTI /AFP via Getty Images This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. In: Panama Earthquake