Burica, Panama — A magnitude 5.4 earthquake shook the Pacific Ocean off Panama's southern coast at 12:05 PM Central Time on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

What happened: The quake struck about 120 miles south of Burica, near the Panama–Costa Rica border region, at a shallow depth of roughly six miles beneath the seafloor. USGS scientists have reviewed the event data. No tsunami threat was issued for this quake.

Impacts: The epicenter sits well offshore in open ocean, far from towns and cities on land. The USGS had no recorded shaking reports at last check, and given the distance from shore, no damage is expected.

What to do:

- If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under something sturdy, and hold on until it stops.

- Stay clear of damaged buildings and watch for falling debris after the shaking ends.

- Expect aftershocks — smaller quakes can follow in the hours and days ahead.

*Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 20, 2026.*