A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Panama on October 9, 2026, damaging homes, schools, hospitals and water infrastructure. UNICEF estimates that 38,000 people, including 8,300 children and adolescents, need humanitarian assistance.
As of October 12, 2026, 30 people were injured, 598 people were staying in temporary shelters, and 656 schools were affected. The hardest hit areas include Veraguas, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos.
The earthquake has disrupted children’s access to health care, safe water, education, and protection services. Even before the earthquake, 35% of children in Panama lived in monetary poverty. The earthquake threatens to deepen these existing inequalities.
UNICEF is helping the government and local partners assess the needs of affected children and families, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. UNICEF’s response includes:
• Distributing hygiene kits and supplies to help households treat and safely store water
• Delivering tents to Ministry of Health hospitals
• Providing School-in-a-Box and early childhood development kits
• Providing mental health and psychosocial support
• Setting up temporary health service spaces in hospitals
UNICEF is working urgently to help children and families recover from this devastating disaster. Your flexible support will be directed to the areas of greatest need and to help UNICEF provide vital aid to children worldwide.
Please consider making a donation today.
