The October 9 Panama earthquake was felt in Cartagena: what happened and what to do afterwards
The Panama earthquake of Friday, October 9, was felt in Cartagena, according to the mayor. According to Semana, risk management said it had not yet received reports or developments.
The earthquake in Cartagena on Friday, October 9, 2026, came from a quake centered in Panama. It struck at 12:56 p.m., and the bulletin of the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) gave a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 and a depth of 33 kilometers, near Pitaloza Arriba. Mayor Dumek Turbay said it was felt in several parts of the city and that the evacuation protocol was activated in several buildings, according to Publimetro. El Universal, citing unidentified sources, reported that evacuations were reportedly under way in the Centro Histórico (the walled historic center), which it could not confirm with authorities.
What is known about the magnitude
The figure is not settled. The SGC bulletin gave a preliminary magnitude of 8.0. In El Universal, the OAGRD cited 7.3, and Publimetro reports 7.6 from the report of the USGS (the U.S. Geological Survey). The figures differ; if you need the current number, check it with the SGC.
What the authorities said
According to Semana, Cartagena's risk management office said it had not yet received reports or developments. Publimetro adds that no significant damage had been publicly reported in the city. Dimar, the maritime authority, and the UNGRD, the national disaster risk management unit, said there was no tsunami threat for Colombia's Pacific coast, according to Semana. That message refers to the Pacific; the sources consulted say nothing specific about the Caribbean.
The OAGRD, Cartagena's disaster risk management office, asked people to stay calm, consult official sources and report damage, according to El Universal.
What to do after an earthquake in Cartagena
According to El Universal, the OAGRD asked people to promptly report any damage, move away from compromised areas in case of possible structural damage, and request a technical assessment before going back into the affected areas. The sources consulted do not say through which channel to report.
Publimetro includes a guideline in its report: after evacuating, avoid elevators and do not return to the building until those responsible for the building or emergency agencies authorize it.
Frequently asked questions
Was the Panama earthquake felt in Cartagena?
Yes. Mayor Dumek Turbay said it was felt in several parts of the city and that the evacuation protocol was activated in several buildings, according to Publimetro. According to Semana, risk management said it had not yet received reports or developments.
What was the magnitude of the October 9 earthquake?
The SGC bulletin gave a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 and a depth of 33 km. The OAGRD cited 7.3 (El Universal) and Publimetro reports 7.6 from the USGS. The figures differ; check them with the SGC.
Was there a tsunami alert?
Dimar and the UNGRD said there was no tsunami threat for Colombia's Pacific coast, according to Semana. The sources consulted say nothing specific about the Caribbean.
What should I do after an earthquake in Cartagena?
According to El Universal, the OAGRD asked people to promptly report any damage, move away from compromised areas in case of possible structural damage, and request a technical assessment before going back into the affected areas. Publimetro notes that after evacuating it is advisable to avoid elevators and wait for authorization to return.
Sources
Published on October 14, 2026