Two Powerful Earthquakes Strike Panama, USGS Says

The first quake measured 7.7 magnitude, followed hours later by a 6.6, with officials assessing damage and potential aftershocks—Panama's infrastructure now in question.

On air: Kenji Moonfield and Vera Bullock on Late Night BBN
Published 8:01 PM ET, Friday, October 9, 2026
Updated 3:46 AM ET · aired 3 times

Photo: Panama — Photo: Camilo Molina derivative work: MrPanyGoff · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by CBS News: “Panama struck by 2 powerful earthquakes, U.S. Geological Survey says”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 8:01 PM ET on Late Night BBN, by Kenji Moonfield and Vera Bullock; aired 3 times.
Topics: Panama.
BBN covered this story before: Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Panama, USGS Says (October 9).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

CBS NewsPanama struck by 2 powerful earthquakes, U.S. Geological Survey says

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThis is a BBN special report. CBS News says Panama was hit by two powerful earthquakes, citing the U.S. Geological Survey.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe first was a magnitude seven point seven. A magnitude six point six quake followed later the same day.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorCBS says the quakes are raising concerns about infrastructure and safety.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe report we have does not give damage or injury numbers, so we won't guess.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentWhat to watch: official damage assessments, any aftershocks, and updates from the Geological Survey. If you have family in Panama, check on them directly.