Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits near Bajo Corral, Panama

A M5.5 earthquake was recorded at 18:22 UTC on October 9, 2026, just 3 km (2 miles) southwest of Bajo Corral, Panama. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), as reported by the US Geological Survey.

The coordinates of the event, 7.6°N, 80.3°W, place it very near the village of Bajo Corral in the southwestern region of Panama. This area is mainly rural, with small population centers and agricultural communities in the vicinity.

Given the inland location and nearby human settlements, the earthquake may have affected local infrastructure, such as rural roadways, regional electricity distribution, and possibly minor community facilities. Major international airports or large industrial facilities are unlikely to be directly impacted due to the region’s demographic.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity reached 6.8 (between VI and VII on the intensity scale) and the significance index was 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude and estimated impact.

Southwestern Panama is located near the boundary between the Cocos and Caribbean plates, an area known for its seismic activity. Earthquakes of this magnitude occur sporadically, with tectonic activity dominated by subduction processes along the Middle America Trench.

This information was last updated at 18:42 UTC on October 9, 2026.