María Corina Machado arrives at a collection center and backs the gathering of aid for those affected by the earthquake in Panama

María Corina Machado visited a collection center in El Hatillo to support those affected by the earthquake in Panama. (Courtesy: Telemetro)María Corina Machado visited a collection center in El Hatillo to express her support for the people affected by the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that shook Panama, as she stated during an interview with Telemetro. The Venezuelan leader said she sought to join the efforts to collect water, food, medicine, and other supplies destined for the areas with the greatest needs, particularly the Azuero region, according to the Panamanian channel's report. During her visit to the collection center, María Corina Machado said she met Venezuelan citizens who were helping with receiving and unloading donations. "Many of the people who come to bring supplies are Venezuelans," the leader noted in statements picked up by Telemetro Reporta. "We are deeply grateful to this country, and I carry it in my soul." Machado maintained that the Venezuelan community in Panama maintains an active and organized structure. She indicated that the day before she had communicated with compatriots living in the country to learn about their situation after the quake. "A lot of support is needed," she affirmed as she asked that donations continue for the affected areas. The opposition leader also recalled the aid that, she said, Venezuela received from Panama after the earthquakes of June 24. She mentioned the support of citizens, institutions, government and local authorities. The Venezuelan leader highlighted the participation of citizens from her country in the tasks of receiving and unloading supplies. (Courtesy: Telemetro)"What was mobilized in this great country to support Venezuelans was impressive," Machado expressed. The El Hatillo collection center continued receiving bottles of water and other essential items, according to the images and report broadcast by Telemetro. Various institutions and organizations set up collection centers to assist the communities affected by the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that occurred on Friday, October 9, in Panama. The quake caused structural damage in the province of Veraguas, the Azuero peninsula, and Coclé. Damage to homes and educational centers was also reported in Panama, Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, and the Ngäbe-Buglé and Emberá indigenous territories. The Panama Mayor's Office opened a collection point on the ground floor of the Hatillo building. The center will operate this Saturday, October 10, until 6:00 p.m. The Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) will receive donations on October 12, 13, and 14 at its campus gymnasium, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will also be a collection point in the Vega neighborhood park, starting at 7:00 p.m., with aid directed to hospitals in the country's interior. Hundreds of families improvised sleeping spaces in patios and open areas, fearing new aftershocks during the early hours of Saturday, October 10. CourtesyThe Omar Park Dome will receive donations on Sunday, October 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In turn, the Riba Smith chain set up a center to gather assistance destined for those affected in the Azuero peninsula. Plaza La Cabima joined the campaign and will receive items until 10:00 p.m. The entities requested mainly bottled water, dry and non-perishable foods, blankets, and clean towels. The list also includes personal care and hygiene products, sanitary pads, diapers for babies and adults, and basic medical supplies. The donations aim to meet the immediate needs of the families affected by the earthquake. It is recommended to confirm the hours and conditions for receiving donations at each center before transporting the items.