Earthquakes in Panama

In Panama there are partly large earthquakes with strengths of more than 7.0, which cause damages within a radius of over 100 kilometers. Due to the special tectonic situation of the country, there are more earthquakes than average.

7 people died since 1950 by direct consequences of earthquakes. 2 earthquakes also caused a subsequent tsunami, which claimed further lifes and damages.

Other natural hazards in Panama:
› Tsunamis
› The most severe natural disasters worldwide


Back to overview: Panama

Earthquakes in Panama since 1950

The strongest earthquake in Panama happened on 07/26/1962 in the region Panama with a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale.
DateRegionTiefeMagnitudeDeathsTotal damage
07/29/2015Colombia (Unguia)6 km5.90
07/04/2009Panama City35 km6.00
11/19/2008Paso Canoa, David, Puerto Armuelles20 km6.10
05/04/2006Boquete9 km4.50
02/04/2004Chiriqui47 km6.10
12/25/2003Puerto Armuelles11 km6.52
08/13/2003Colon, Panama City27 km5.40
07/31/2002Baru, Alanje, David; Costa Rica (Laurel)44 km6.50
11/08/2000Jurado58 km6.50
05/04/1991Changuinola, Almirante, Bocas Del Toro54 km6.20
07/01/1979Puerto Armuelles4 km6.50
07/11/1976Darien31 km6.75
07/26/1962Panama41 km7.40
03/12/1962Costa Rica-Panama16 km6.80


These statistics are based on datas from the National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS): Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K. Several data have been summarized and translated.