A powerful magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck central Panama on October 9, shaking buildings and alarming residents across the country. The epicenter was located in Herrera Province, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Strong tremors were felt in Panama City, where residents rushed into the streets as buildings shook. Damage was reported in Herrera, Veraguas, and Los Santos, including reports of a collapsed hotel facade and damage to a local cathedral. Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, with magnitudes reaching 5.8 and 5.5. The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings for parts of the Pacific coast, including Panama and other countries in Latin America. Authorities began inspecting buildings and infrastructure, while the Panama Canal reportedly continued operating without major disruption.