Tonosí, near the epicenter of the earthquake in Panama, still has no water or electricity and roads remain closed

Tonosí, in the province of Los Santos, is facing interruptions in electricity and drinking water, as well as impassable roads, after the earthquake on Friday, October 9. Video captureThe district of Tonosí, in the province of Los Santos, remains without electricity or drinking water, with several communities cut off and difficulties accessing food and basic supplies, after the earthquake that shook Panama on Friday, October 9. The magnitude 7.5 quake had its epicenter about 39 kilometers northwest of Tonosí, one of the areas hardest hit by the phenomenon. The Mayor's Office of Tonosí reported this Saturday that the access roads from Las Tablas and Pedasí remain impassable, so the only route available to the district is through Macaracas. Authorities asked people to travel with extreme caution due to damage to road infrastructure and the mobility difficulties that persist in the region. The municipality also warned that several communities remain cut off and there is a shortage of food and essential supplies. Although the Tonosí Rural Hospital continues to operate within its capacities, the lack of basic services complicates the situation of residents, while authorities work to address the most urgent needs. Tonosí is located in the area where much of the seismic activity following the earthquake was concentrated. More than 150 movements were recorded in Azuero and nearby areas in the hours that followed, including several of magnitude greater than 6. The constant aftershocks have kept the population on alert and hinder the work of assessing homes, businesses, and other affected structures. Faced with this situation, Mayor Aníbal Domínguez requested support to obtain bottled water, canned and dry foods, milk, and diapers for babies and adults. The list of priority needs also includes medications and medical supplies. The call was backed by organizations promoting the collection of donations for affected families. The Mayor's Office also announced the suspension of the 2026 Campesino Festival and the festivities planned for November 14, due to the damage caused by the earthquake and the continuation of the aftershocks. The municipal administration explained that efforts will be focused on assisting affected families, ensuring safety, and advancing the recovery of the district. The impact of the earthquake extends to other regions of Panama. According to the official tally presented this Saturday, 426 homes, 419 schools, 21 health facilities, and nine bridges registered damage. Authorities also reported 27 people injured and no confirmed fatalities at that time, while inspections continue and humanitarian aid is being transported to the hardest-hit communities. }The magnitude 7.5 earthquake had its epicenter about 39 kilometers northwest of Tonosí, where authorities report communities cut off and shortages of supplies. Taken from InstagramThe President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, stated that humanitarian assistance will prioritize the communities most affected by the earthquake, especially those facing access difficulties and damage to their basic services. The president ordered his team of ministers to maintain a presence in the impacted areas, with the aim of directly coordinating assistance to families, assessing the damage, and expediting the distribution of the resources needed for recovery. Aid operations include the deployment of helicopters, security personnel, and emergency teams to transport food, water, medications, and other supplies to affected communities. The United States has also participated in these efforts, providing aircraft to transport humanitarian assistance, in coordination with Panamanian authorities. Efforts are focused on assisting populations that remain cut off and facilitating access to areas where roads and bridges suffered damage.