List of Earthquakes in Panama: The Strongest Earthquakes and How Often the Ground Shakes Each Year

This list of earthquakes in Panama brings together the strongest earthquakes recorded in the country since 1621, with their date, area, magnitude, and effects. The strongest measured with modern instruments is the October 9, 2026, Azuero earthquake, magnitude 7.7. In addition, the Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama records anywhere from several hundred to more than a thousand earthquakes each year, most of them imperceptible and concentrated in Chiriquí.

Unlike our history of earthquakes in Panama, which tells the story of the most significant events, this page presents the list of earthquakes in Panama as a reference: the strongest earthquakes, annual statistics by province, why magnitudes vary by source, and where to check today’s earthquakes.

How many earthquakes does Panama have each year?

To complete the list of earthquakes in Panama, you also need to look at the small ones. According to seismological records from the Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama, published by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the country recorded between 424 and 1,341 earthquakes a year between 2010 and 2013. The vast majority are smaller than magnitude 5 and are not felt.

Two conclusions stand out. Chiriquí is, year after year, the province with the most earthquakes, because of its proximity to the Panama Fracture Zone: in 2010 and 2011, it accounted for more than half of the total. And the number varies widely from year to year, because it depends on aftershock sequences and on the coverage of seismic stations.

List of the strongest earthquakes in Panama

This list of earthquakes in Panama includes the earthquakes that caused damage, casualties, or tsunamis, as well as those of magnitude 6 or greater that affected the country. It is ordered from most recent to oldest.

Historical studies by the University of Costa Rica also document strong earthquakes in Panama’s Caribbean region in 1798, 1822, 1873, 1904, 1909, and 1930, with no estimated magnitude. To learn the story behind the major ones, see our articles on the Pedro Miguel Fault (1621) and the 2026 Azuero earthquake.

Why an earthquake’s magnitude varies by source

When reviewing any list of earthquakes in Panama, it is normal to find different magnitudes for the same earthquake. There are three reasons:

• Different scales. Moment magnitude (Mw), which the USGS uses for large earthquakes, measures the total energy released and is the most accurate. Older scales, such as surface-wave magnitude (Ms) or local magnitude (ML, the “Richter scale”), saturate for large earthquakes and can give different values.
• Different networks. The Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama and the USGS use different stations and methods. In 2026, the USGS calculated 7.7 and the Institute 7.5.
• Preliminary vs. revised data. The first figures are published within minutes and adjusted later. The Azuero earthquake was first reported as 8.0 and later revised to 7.6 and 7.7.

For earthquakes that predate modern instruments, such as those of 1621 or 1882, the magnitude is estimated from the damage described in historical documents, which is why it is expressed as a range.

What the list of earthquakes in Panama shows

• Chiriquí and the border with Costa Rica have the most earthquakes and the most of magnitude 6 or greater: 1934, 1941, 1983, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2019.
• The Caribbean produces fewer earthquakes, but the most destructive ones because of their tsunamis: 1882, 1916, and 1991.
• Azuero showed in 2026 that it can generate the strongest earthquake ever measured in the country.
• The capital has suffered damage from nearby faults in 1621 and 1971, and it feels distant earthquakes strongly.

To understand which fault lies behind each area, see our guide to fault lines in Panama.

Where to check earthquakes in Panama today

• Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama: the official institution that records and reports the country’s earthquakes. It posts every felt event on its X account, @igcpanamaup.
• USGS map: the USGS real-time earthquake map shows earthquakes worldwide and lets you filter by area and magnitude.
• Sinaproc: the National Civil Protection System is the official source on damage and emergencies.

If an earthquake affects your home or building, follow our guide on what to check after an earthquake and, if in doubt, contact engineering and consulting firms in Panama.

Frequently asked questions about the list of earthquakes in Panama

How many earthquakes has Panama had?

Since 1621, more than 20 earthquakes are known to have caused damage, casualties, or tsunamis, and at least seven of magnitude 7 or greater have affected the country. In addition, the Institute of Geosciences records anywhere from several hundred to more than a thousand earthquakes each year, most of them imperceptible.

What has been the strongest earthquake in Panama?

The strongest measured with modern instruments is the October 9, 2026, Azuero earthquake, magnitude 7.7 according to the USGS. The 1882 Gulf of San Blas earthquake is estimated at 7.9 based on historical records and was the most destructive because of its tsunami.

How many earthquakes does Panama have each year?

Between 2010 and 2013, the Institute of Geosciences recorded between 424 and 1,341 earthquakes a year, according to INEC. The number varies because of aftershock sequences and station coverage.

Which province of Panama has the most earthquakes?

Chiriquí. Between 2010 and 2013, it was the province with the most recorded earthquakes every year, and in 2010 and 2011 it accounted for more than half of the total, because of its proximity to the Panama Fracture Zone. It is followed by Bocas del Toro, Veraguas, and Panama.

Why are there different magnitudes for the same earthquake?

Because each institution uses different networks, methods, and scales (moment magnitude, surface-wave, or local magnitude), and because the first figures are preliminary and revised later.

Where can I see earthquakes in Panama today?

On the X account of the Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama (@igcpanamaup), which is the official source, and on the USGS real-time earthquake map. Sinaproc reports on damage and emergencies.

Sources

• INEC: earthquakes and magnitude recorded in Panama, by month and province (2010); 2011; 2012; 2013 (in Spanish). Data from the Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama.
• List of earthquakes in Panama (Wikipedia), based on the NGDC Significant Earthquake Database.
• USGS: M 7.7, October 9, 2026.
• Camacho and Víquez. Historical seismicity of the North Panama Deformed Belt. University of Costa Rica (in Spanish).
• Camacho and Alvarado (2023). Earthquakes from local faults reported as strong in Central Panama. University of Panama (in Spanish).
• La Estrella de Panamá (2026). Understanding the seismic risk of Panama City (in Spanish).