Panama confirms 2nd death in Oct. 9 earthquake

The Panamanian Health Ministry (MINSA) confirmed a second death linked to the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck Oct. 9, after a 60-year-old woman died Thursday in Veraguas province, the La Estrella de Panama newspaper.

MINSA confirmed the death of Regina Miranda, who had remained in a coma after suffering a severe head injury while evacuating a school in Santiago de Veraguas.

Miranda was performing administrative duties at the Romulo Arrocha school when the quake struck. She fell while evacuating the building and suffered severe head trauma.

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 fatality was Elena Barria, 68, who died Oct. 14 after a wall collapsed on her at home in Macaracas, Los Santos province.

The tremor caused severe abdominal injuries, which led to her death.

The quake 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.

Some 5,628 people were staying in 126 temporary shelters, while humanitarian teams provided assistance to 175 communities.

The epicenter was located 39 kilometers (24 miles) northwest of Tonosi, a town in southwestern Los Santos province, according to reports.

Authorities continue to assess structural damage and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.