They propose enabling schools and sports centers for those affected by the earthquake in Panama

A couple observes the damage to a building affected after the earthquake that shook Panama's Pacific coast (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP). The leader Anel Bolo Flores urged Panama's Ministry of Education and the Panamanian Sports Institute to make their facilities available to the families affected by the earthquake that shook Panama's southern Pacific coast. His proposal does not constitute an order, but rather a call for both entities to evaluate enabling support spaces and temporary collection centers. "I urge Meduca and Pandeportes to enable their facilities as support spaces and collection centers to assist the affected families. It is time to join efforts and put the State at the service of those who need it most," Flores expressed on his social media. In another message, he noted that the proposal aims for schools, gyms, and other public infrastructure to be able to receive displaced persons if the authorities consider it necessary. He also proposed that these places function to receive, organize, and distribute donations to the communities with the greatest needs. The statement came after the earthquake registered at 12:56 local time on October 9, which was felt throughout much of the country, including Panama City, and in areas of neighboring Costa Rica. Authorities began evaluations to determine the damage and consequences in the areas near the epicenter. Panama's Ministry of Education (Meduca) reported that at least 419 educational centers were affected by the earthquake. Its head, Ventura Vega Osorio, ordered the suspension of classes during the weekend to carry out structural inspections before defining the conditions for a safe return to the classrooms. Post by Anel Bolo Flores, who urged Meduca and Pandeportes to make their facilities available to the families affected by the earthquake. The impact on schools adds pressure to the state response, since the establishments may require repairs and, at the same time, be considered as support locations for the affected communities. In that scenario, Flores suggested that Meduca and the Panamanian Sports Institute evaluate which facilities could be designated for assistance tasks without compromising the safety inspections. The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) expressed its solidarity with the children, adolescents, and families affected by the earthquake. The organization indicated that it was still premature to determine the extent of the damage, although it expressed concern about the situation of the population living in the areas near the epicenter. The agency recalled that earthquakes can cause injuries, family separations, and loss of access to essential services. Among these, it mentioned the lack of shelter, drinking water, medical care, and school continuity. "Unicef is ready to support the Government of Panama's response if necessary," the organization stated. In addition, it asked families in Panama's coastal areas and in neighboring countries to comply with the instructions issued by local authorities. Emergency personnel cordoned off a damaged building and a vehicle covered in debris after the earthquake in Panama. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP) Flores's call coincides with that concern for attending to families and maintaining basic services for children and adolescents. The eventual opening of educational or sports facilities as temporary shelters could offer a point of assistance while official assessments advance, although that decision corresponds to the competent authorities. While inspections continue in the impacted areas, Unicef reiterated that the priority should focus on the protection of children and families, while Anel Bolo Flores's proposal seeks to expand support capacity through the eventual use of public facilities.