Volunteers at a donation collection center in Panama City, Panama's capital, are busy receiving essential items to support communities affected by a powerful earthquake that struck the country Friday.
The volunteers said they still need items like sheets, household goods, and even fans. Many people's homes were damaged, and they may still be sleeping outside.
Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday to coordinate relief efforts and assist communities affected by the earthquake.
Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac told a press conference the same day at the presidential palace that the declaration would ensure government agencies remain on standby and have the resources needed to assist those affected.
Orillac said President Jose Raul Mulino had ordered the creation of a commission to coordinate relief operations, manage resources and address the needs of affected communities.
The government has also set up donation collection centers, including one at Omar Park in Panama City, while provincial government offices will serve as additional collection points, he said.
The 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Panama at 12:56 local time Friday, with its epicenter about 39 km northwest of Tonosí in Los Santos province.
The quake damaged homes, schools, health facilities, roads and public buildings across several parts of the country.
Panamanian authorities continue assessing the damage and coordinating emergency response efforts.
Panama opens donation centers after powerful quake
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin urged China's para-athletes to aim for excellence at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games during a rally in Beijing on Saturday.
Shen, also head of the State Council Working Committee on Disability, visited the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities to meet with the Chinese delegation. She offered encouragement and motivation to the athletes, urging them to spare no effort in preparations and competition, and to bring greater honor to the motherland and the people.
Shen stressed the importance of using the Asian Para Games as practical experience to strengthen and prepare China's team for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. She called on the team to maintain high standards of sportsmanship and discipline, aiming for both athletic achievement and moral excellence.
Shen also emphasized the need to enhance friendly exchanges and better tell China's story and the story of Chinese persons with disabilities. She called for efforts to prevent and defuse various risks, ensuring the delegation's safety and success throughout the competition.
China announced on Saturday a 500-member delegation, including 312 athletes, to compete in 335 events across 17 sports at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, marking the country's largest athlete contingent for an overseas edition of the Games.
The athletes have an average age of 28.8, ranging from 16 to 50 years old. The delegation includes 146 male and 166 female athletes, all of whom are amateurs and include workers, students and freelancers.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games will be held from Oct 18 to 24, featuring more than 500 events across 18 sports, including para swimming, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, with more than 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions expected to take part.
It will be China's fifth appearance at the Asian Para Games.
Chinese state councilor meets Chinese Asian Para Games team
