Over 8,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance following the Panama earthquake

NEW YORK/PANAMA CITY, 12 October 2026 - UNICEF estimates that 38,000 people, including 8,300 children, are in need of humanitarian assistance following the earthquake that struck Panama on October 9. 

The 7.5-magnitude earthquake caused damage to homes, schools, health facilities, and critical water and transport infrastructure. Assessments remain ongoing, with major impacts confirmed in the provinces of Veraguas, Coclé, Herrera and Los Santos. 

“Three days after the earthquake, children and families continue to experience fear and distress as aftershocks persist, with thousands of children in the hardest-hit communities facing disruptions to essential services, including safe water and education,” said UNICEF Representative in Panama, Olga Isaza. “UNICEF is working closely with the Government of Panama and partners to support affected children and families in the weeks ahead.” 

Children’s access to education has been disrupted. According to preliminary government reports, 656 educational facilities have sustained damage nationwide, and classes were suspended on October 12 while structural safety inspections continue. Authorities have also reported damage to at least 25 health facilities. 

Along with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF has deployed 72 m² tents to support the continuity of health services at facilities affected by the earthquake. UNICEF has made 16 tents available to health authorities and continues to assess additional needs to help maintain essential services for children and adolescents.  

UNICEF is evaluating access to safe water and sanitation, assessments of damage to schools and education needs, and monitoring protection risks facing children affected by displacement, service disruptions and psychological distress. UNICEF urgently requires US$2,5 million to support life-saving assistance and early recovery efforts for children and families affected by the earthquake. 

In coordination with the Government of Panama, UNICEF and humanitarian partners have scaled up emergency response, deploying additional personnel and mobilizing critical supplies to ensure that children remain at the center of the humanitarian response and recovery efforts.

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