The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, confirmed this Monday that the 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Panama last Friday, October 9, left 6,174 people and 1,744 homes affected.

While there are no registered deaths, there has still been significant loss for many families in the interior. The Panamanian government declared a state of emergency throughout the country on Saturday, October 10. While allocating up to $100 million for ministries and agencies to contract for works, goods, and services, many families affected in remote areas are still very much in need. 

How you can help 

Los Santos Earthquake Relief - Money will be going directly to community leaders who can distribute funds where they are needed on the ground. In the hardest-hit areas around Tonosí, communities have been left isolated because transportation routes are damaged. Tonosí is the main hub where we go constantly for supplies and necessities for Cambutal. Right now, much of the aid is coming in by helicopter. With heavy rain, there is a need for better tents and areas where families can stay safe and dry. A lot of these families are currently staying on cattle ranches under blue tarps which are not holding up with the rain. 

Gofundme - Los Santos 

The Western Coast of the Azuero Peninsula in Panama is a very rural 100 kilometer stretch of road where thousands of people live, spread out between mountain, jungle and the sea.

Aid for Western Azuero Peninsula’s 7.7 Earthquake Recovery -  While no lives were lost, the devastation caused is massive: broken roads, collapsed homes, collapsed wells, and a complete meltdown of an already vulnerable population. We are still in peak crisis mode, with hundreds of displaced families, many smaller communities only accessible by airplane and countless families who have lost absolutely everything.

Temporary camps have been informally setup but the aftershocks, as well as heavy torrential rains and the constant threat of landslides, are making stability more and more challenging. 

GoFundMe - Western Azuero Peninsula 

Other ways to make Donations: 

- 0405017935367 Faisal Tisnes BGeneral Ahorro 

- ⁠yappy: 62634528

- ⁠Zelle: Faisal.alberto@gmail.com / +19496569363 / Faisal Tisnes

- ⁠PayPal: faisal.alberto@gmail.com 

- ⁠Venmo: Dirtysurf

- ⁠Wise: Faisalalbertot

Areas Affected by Earthquake in Panama & Main Concerns

Some of the most affected areas are in the provinces of Coclé, Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos. Isla Cañas has been evacuated, and in Búcaro and Tonosí, many people still don’t know when they will be able to return to their homes. They are currently staying in cattle ranches and makeshift shelters. In many towns, the situation has worsened due to heavy rains. 

Along with their homes, many people have also lost their livelihoods. Some estimates suggest that more than 80% of Isla Cañas’ agricultural production was destroyed by the earthquake and the saltwater. There are more than a hundred rice, corn, melon, and watermelon farmers in the district. 

The full economic magnitude of the damage has yet to be determined, but the farmers already know that a portion of their livelihood has vanished.

The lack of drinking water is among the main concerns people are facing. There is also worry about the supply capacity of supermarkets and other establishments. 

Adding to the earthquake damage is the threat of rain and landslides in the mountains could cause further damage and insecurity for families without shelter. 

Source: La Prensa

While assessments are being completed and recovery measures are being defined, grassroots initiatives are the best way to reach people. If you are organizing and have a way of helping people in need, or a specific item required, please reach out so it can be added to this article.