Sunday 11 October 2026 · Edition of the day

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The Skeptic's Daily

The day's biggest stories, taken apart. For each one: what is actually established, what is only asserted, the questions worth asking — and a plausibility score for the central claim, given everything currently known.

Stories
1
Average plausibility
90%
How to read the score
It rates how well the core claim is evidenced — not how important the story is, nor whether it is good or bad news.
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TopicAllPoliticsConflict & SecurityBusinessScienceHealth
01ScienceSouth America

Magnitude 7.7 earthquake damages buildings in Panama

Two outlets report a powerful earthquake, but the supplied accounts leave the full extent of damage unresolved.

BBC News and the Guardian reported a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Panama that damaged buildings. The BBC reported tsunami warnings for neighbouring countries. The Guardian reported collapsed buildings and roads, while saying the country appeared to have escaped widespread destruction or deaths.

What holds up

  • ✓Both outlets report the same magnitude and damage to buildings in Panama.
  • ✓The Guardian attributes a depth of 12.6km to the US Geological Survey, providing an identified official source for that measurement.

What doesn't yet

  • ?The supplied items contain no comprehensive casualty or damage assessment; the Guardian's account of apparently avoiding deaths remains provisional.
  • ?Tsunami warnings appear only in the BBC item, which does not identify the issuing authority, affected countries or subsequent status.

Ask before you share

  • →What do updated official assessments say about casualties and structural damage?
  • →Which tsunami warnings were issued, and are any still active?
  • →Have circulating videos been verified for location and timing?

Sources & original reporting

  1. [1]BBC News · Published 9 Oct 2026 · bbc.co.uk
  2. [2]The Guardian · Published 10 Oct 2026 · theguardian.com