A Colombian woman who experienced the earthquake in Cali recounted the moment of panic during the earthquake in Panama: "I can't handle so much fear."

On Friday, October 9, 2026, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Panama, triggering widespread panic among residents. Among those affected was Jackeline Rentería, a cosmetologist and native of Cali, Colombia, who was living in Panama City at the time of the disaster.

Following the powerful tremor, Rentería was forced to evacuate her apartment building, the PH Prisma, seeking safety outside while awaiting professional technical inspections of the structure. She described the harrowing experience as a moment of intense fear, stating that she could not cope with the overwhelming fright caused by the sismo.