OMM Newsroom
Panama’s Health Ministry (MINSA) confirmed a second death linked to the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck on Oct. 9, after 60-year-old Regina Miranda died on Thursday in Veraguas province, Anadolu Agency reported, citing La Estrella de Panama.
Miranda had been in a coma after suffering a severe head injury while evacuating the Romulo Arrocha school in Santiago de Veraguas, where she was carrying out administrative duties when the earthquake struck.
She was taken to Luis “Chicho” Fabrega Hospital for specialized neurosurgical treatment but died despite medical efforts, according to a ministry statement cited by the newspaper.
The first person killed was 68-year-old Elena Barria, who died on Oct. 14 after a wall collapsed on her at home in Macaracas, Los Santos province. The tremor caused severe abdominal injuries that led to her death.
The earthquake damaged homes, schools, health facilities, churches, roads and bridges in the western and central provinces of Los Santos, Veraguas, Herrera and Cocle.
More than 35,000 people had been registered as affected by the disaster as of Oct. 20, according to the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC). Authorities reported damage to 619 educational centers and 120 health facilities.
About 5,628 people were staying in 126 temporary shelters, while humanitarian teams were assisting 175 communities.
The epicenter was reported to be 39 kilometers (24 miles) northwest of Tonosi, a town in southwestern Los Santos province. Authorities continue to assess structural damage and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
