On October 9, 2026 at 20:25:40 UTC, an earthquake with magnitude 6.6 occurred in Panama. The epicenter was located 12 km west of the city of Rio Grande, at a depth of 24.04 km. The geographic coordinates of the epicenter were 7.701° north latitude and 81.444° west longitude. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the potential damage level according to the PAGER system was assessed as yellow, indicating a moderate potential risk to the population and infrastructure. The maximum estimated intensity of shaking on the ShakeMap was VIII points, corresponding to destructive shocks in the epicenter area. According to the "Did You Feel It?" system, based on eyewitness surveys, the maximum recorded intensity reached VII points — 33 people reported noticeable shaking. The Tsunami Warning Center monitored the situation after the earthquake, taking into account its significant magnitude and location near the coast. Information about damage, casualties, and possible consequences for coastal areas is being clarified at the time of publication. Panama is located in a seismically active zone where earthquakes of varying strength regularly occur due to the interaction of tectonic plates of the Caribbean Basin and the Cocos Plate. Strong shocks of this magnitude can cause building damage, especially in areas with outdated construction, and can also trigger landslides in mountainous terrain.