UNICEF: 8,300 Panama Quake Children Need Aid; $2.5M Sought
UNICEF estimates 8,300 children among 38,000 people needing aid after Panama's October 9 earthquake, as 656 schools and 25 health facilities report damage.
The story in focus
UNICEF estimates 38,000 people, including 8,300 children, need humanitarian assistance after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Panama on October 9. The agency says homes, schools, health facilities and water and transport infrastructure were damaged in Veraguas, Coclé, Herrera and Los Santos, and it is seeking $2.5 million.
- UNICEF estimates 8,300 of the 38,000 people needing assistance are children.
- Preliminary government reports cite damage to 656 educational facilities and at least 25 health facilities nationwide.
- UNICEF says it urgently requires US$2.5 million for life-saving assistance and early recovery.
Scale of need after the quake
UNICEF estimates that 38,000 people, including 8,300 children, require humanitarian assistance following the 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Panama on October 9. Assessments are continuing, with major impacts confirmed in Veraguas, Coclé, Herrera and Los Santos.
The agency reports damage to homes, schools, health facilities and critical water and transport infrastructure. It says children and families in the hardest-hit communities face disruption to essential services, including safe water and education, and that aftershocks are continuing.
Schools and health services
According to preliminary government reports, 656 educational facilities were damaged nationwide, and classes were suspended on October 12 while structural safety inspections continue. Authorities also reported damage to at least 25 health facilities.
UNICEF says it has provided 16 tents to health authorities to help maintain services at affected facilities. It is also assessing safe water and sanitation access, school damage and education needs, and protection risks for children affected by displacement, service disruption and psychological distress.
Funding and response
UNICEF says it urgently requires US$2.5 million to support life-saving assistance and early recovery for affected children and families. The agency says it is working with the Government of Panama and partners, deploying additional personnel and mobilizing supplies, with children at the center of the response.
How many children need assistance after the Panama earthquake?
UNICEF estimates that 8,300 children are among the 38,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance following the October 9 earthquake. The agency says damage to schools, health facilities and water infrastructure is disrupting services for children.
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