The key facts

  • The second victim of the magnitude 7.5 earthquake of October 9 is 60-year-old Regina Miranda, who died on Thursday in the province of Veraguas
  • The first victim was 68-year-old Elena Barria, who died on October 14 in the province of Los Santos
  • According to SINAPROC as of October 20, more than 35 thousand people are affected, with 619 educational and 120 medical facilities damaged

Second Victim of the Earthquake

Panama's Ministry of Health (MINSA) confirmed the second death related to the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that occurred on October 9. As the newspaper La Estrella de Panama reports, citing a statement from the ministry, 60-year-old Regina Miranda died on Thursday after having been in a coma following a severe head injury.

Circumstances of the Death

Miranda was performing administrative duties at the Romulo Arrocha school in Santiago de Veraguas when the earthquake began. She fell during the evacuation of the building and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. The woman was taken to the Luis 'Chicho' Fabrega hospital for specialized neurosurgical treatment, but despite the doctors' efforts, she died.

First Victim

The first victim of the disaster was 68-year-old Elena Barria, who died on October 14 when a wall collapsed on her at her home in Macaracas (province of Los Santos). According to the publication, the abdominal injuries she sustained led to her death.

Scale of the Consequences

The earthquake damaged homes, schools, medical facilities, churches, roads and bridges in the western and central provinces of Los Santos, Veraguas, Herrera and Cocle. According to the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC), as of October 20, more than 35 thousand people have been registered as affected. Damage was recorded at 619 educational institutions and 120 medical facilities. About 5,628 people are housed in 126 temporary shelters, and humanitarian teams are providing assistance in 175 communities.

Epicenter and Current Situation

According to available data, the epicenter was located 39 kilometers (24 miles) northwest of Tonosi, a city in the southwest of the province of Los Santos. The authorities continue to assess structural damage and provide humanitarian assistance to the affected communities.