The scale of Panama's earthquake damage is becoming clearer. In a situation report dated October 12, authorities counted some 1,250 affected homes, more than 800 people in shelters and 27 people injured following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck on October 9. No deaths or missing people have been reported.
The health system in the Azuero and Veraguas regions remains under strain: several hospitals are still treating patients in tents or car parks, and at least three health centres are out of service. In Tonosi, 11 townships remain without water or power, and the bridge over the Oria River is still closed.
More than 350 aftershocks have been recorded, and many families are sleeping outdoors or with relatives rather than risk returning to damaged homes. In Herrera, some families lack regular access to water and a safe place to sleep.
Aid is reaching Tonosi by air and road, but forecasters warn that heavy rain in the worst-hit areas could hamper access further in the coming days, complicating both relief deliveries and damage assessments.
