India, Oct. 13 -- UNICEF said it estimates that 38,000 people, including 8,300 children, are in need of humanitarian assistance following the 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Panama on Oct. 9, according to a UNICEF press release dated Oct. 13, 2026.
Earthquake impact and affected areas
UNICEF said the earthquake caused damage to homes, schools, health facilities, and critical water and transport infrastructure. It said assessments remain ongoing, with major impacts confirmed in the provinces of Veraguas, Coclé, Herrera and Los Santos.
UNICEF Representative in Panama Olga Isaza said that three days after the earthquake, children and families continued to experience fear and distress as aftershocks persisted, and that thousands of chil...