Users Reported that Google Alerted them Seconds Before. A Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake just Shook Panama.

Panama experienced another earthquake this Saturday, October 31. The tremor was felt in various parts of the country and was accompanied by reports from users who described a particular situation: their cell phones first received a Google Earthquake Alert notification and then they felt the shaking.  Google’s alert initially indicated a magnitude of 5.6, while the Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama (IGC) preliminarily reported that the earthquake reached a magnitude of 6.1.

However, after reviewing the records, the agency adjusted the magnitude to 5.9.  The earthquake forced the Panama Metro to suspend operations and evacuate users at all stations and trains.  The incident highlighted the functionality of Android’s seismic alert system, which was enabled in Panama on October 29th.  The tool uses the accelerometers in Android phones to detect movements that could correspond to an earthquake and send notifications to devices located in areas that could be affected. 

It’s important to note that the system doesn’t predict earthquakes, but rather detects movement that has already begun. Depending on the distance to the epicenter and the detection conditions, it can warn users before the strongest seismic waves arrive.  On October 9, Panama was shaken by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, recorded at 12:56 pm, with its epicenter 39 kilometers northwest of Tonosí, according to the IGC. 

The most recent tally counts three dead and 27 injured as a result of that emergency.  In addition, 17,058 homes were assessed and 55,245 people were counted in the affected areas.  In the education sector, 619 of the 853 schools inspected showed damage. Damage was also reported at 120 healthcare facilities.  The rising sea level also prompted the evacuation of approximately 300 people from Isla Cañas, in the province of Los Santos.

The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama preliminarily reported a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that occurred this Saturday, October 31, at 10:50 am, with a depth of 10 km, located 18 km east of Tonosí, Los Santos province.  The earthquake was felt in several sectors of Panama City, according to citizen reports.  Authorities remain on alert.

Below, the ground literally splits apart as a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama October 9 of 2026.

New footage shows just how violently the ground shook during 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Panama.