UNICEF estimates that 38,000 people, including 8,300 children, need humanitarian assistance following the 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Panama on October 9, the agency said in a release dated October 12. Assessments were still ongoing, with major impacts confirmed in the provinces of Veraguas, Coclé, Herrera and Los Santos. Homes, schools, health facilities, and water and transport infrastructure were damaged.

Citing preliminary government reports, UNICEF said 656 educational facilities were damaged nationwide and classes were suspended on October 12 while structural safety inspections continued. Authorities also reported damage to at least 25 health facilities. UNICEF said it had made 16 tents available to health authorities to help keep services running at affected facilities and was assessing further needs. It was also evaluating safe water and sanitation access, school damage and education needs, and protection risks for children affected by displacement, service disruptions and psychological distress.

UNICEF said it urgently requires US$2.5 million for life-saving assistance and early recovery efforts. It said it was working with the Government of Panama and partners, deploying additional personnel and supplies, to keep children at the center of the response.