A significant earthquake shook the border region between Panama and Costa Rica on Tuesday afternoon. The tremor, with a preliminary earthquake magnitude of 5.5, occurred at 3:38 p.m. local time on February 24, 2026.
The University of Panama Institute of Geosciences located the epicenter just 5 kilometers south of Puerto Armuelles in Panama’s Chiriquí province. Seismic activity originated at a depth of 19 kilometers near the international boundary with Costa Rica.
Official Reports and Public Response
Authorities issued their initial assessment quickly via social media. The institute’s official account posted the basic parameters, classifying the event as preliminary. No immediate reports of casualties or structural damage have been confirmed by civil protection agencies.
Residents across western Panama, however, felt the distinct shaking. People in Puerto Armuelles and other communities close to the epicenter described a strong, rolling motion that lasted for several seconds.
“The Institute of Geosciences reports the following event: Status: PRELIMINARY. Date: 2026-02-24. Time: 3:38:28 PM local time. Magnitude: 5.5. Depth: 19km. Located in Panama-Costa Rica Border Region 5km south of Puerto Armuelles.”
[Translated from Spanish] – @igcpanamaup, University of Panama Institute of Geosciences
Scientists are continuing to analyze data from the regional network of monitoring stations. They rely on instruments like the modern seismograph to pinpoint an earthquake’s exact location and strength. This ongoing analysis could lead to minor revisions in the calculated magnitude or depth.
Monitoring Continues in Seismically Active Zone
The border area between Panama and Costa Rica is no stranger to tectonic activity. It sits in a complex seismic zone where several geological plates and faults interact. Earthquakes of this size serve as a reminder of the region’s dynamic geology.
Panama’s geoscience institute stated it would maintain vigilant monitoring of aftershocks. Officials promised to update the public with any substantive changes to the preliminary report. Standard protocol after a notable quake involves checking for triggered activity along nearby fault lines.
Local emergency management teams are likely conducting preliminary assessments in the closest population centers. Their focus remains on verifying the integrity of critical infrastructure and confirming the safety of residents. The event’s relatively deep hypocenter, at 19 kilometers, may have helped mitigate more severe surface shaking.
This seismic event follows other recent incidents that have drawn government attention to infrastructure and response capabilities across Panama City and other regions. For now, communities along the border are returning to normal routines as scientists keep watch on the earth’s movements below.