Please refer to the attached file. KEY POINTS Almost four weeks after the magnitude 7. 5 earthquake of 9 October, around 3, 300 people remain in shelters, a quarter fewer than a week earlier, as more families return to their communities. Of the nearly 20, 000 homes assessed, more than 4, 600 have total damage, and the Government plans to build 2, 700 homes for families who lost theirs. Damage to 619 schools and 120 health facilities continues to limit services, as more temporary learning spaces open. A magnitude 5. 9 earthquake on 31 October forced authorities to evacuate four hospitals and five health centres as a precaution, but caused no injuries. SITUATION OVERVIEW Almost four weeks after the magnitude 7. 5 earthquake of 9 October, with its epicentre 39 km north-west of Tonosí, the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC), through the National Emergency Operations Centre (COEN), reports two deaths and 27 injuries. As of 2 November, Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (EDAN) teams had assessed 19, 865 homes and registered 63, 767 people. Of those homes, 4, 633 have total damage, 11, 107 moderate or partial damage and 4, 125 minor damage. The people registered include 198 pregnant women and 2, 758 people with disabilities. The assessments also report damage to 619 schools and 120 health facilities. The number of people in shelters continues to fall: 3, 356 people (886 families) remain in 113 shelters, down from 4, 501 in 141 shelters on 27 October. Almost half are in Veraguas (1, 635), followed by Los Santos (1, 153) and Herrera (359). In Soná, Río Grande and Mariato, UNICEF, UNHCR and IOM missions found that some families are returning to land near their homes, where they are putting up tents or makeshift structures. On 31 October, a magnitude 5. 9 aftershock forced authorities to evacuate four hospitals, five health centres and the population of Isla de Cañas as a precaution, but caused no injuries. Follow-up inspections found worsening cracks at the hospitals in Aguadulce and Penonomé, in areas with oxygen pipes and electrical lines. Since the response began, SINAPROC has transported more than 385 tonnes of aid by land and carried out 39 medical air evacuations, and the Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA) has distributed 81, 229 bags of food in 1, 548 communities. The Government has set up an inter-agency commission to build 2, 700 homes, and the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) is demolishing and replacing severely damaged schools. The UN system continues to support the Government-led response in shelter, education, food security, health, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, logistics and telecommunications.
Panama: Earthquake in Azuero & Veraguas – Situation Report No. 08 (as of 4 November 2026, 12:30)
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