Medical teams in Macaracas, Panama, are stepping up efforts to deliver essential services as authorities assess damaged facilities in hospitals after a powerful earthquake struck the country Friday.
The magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck Panama at around 12:56 local time Friday, with its epicenter about 39 km northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province. The quake damaged homes, schools, health facilities, roads and public buildings across several parts of the country.
In Macaracas, 27 people were injured, though no deaths were reported as of Monday.
Meanwhile, medics are administering treatment in the streets due to damaged healthcare infrastructure. The director of a quake-damaged health center expressed hope that normal operations would resume as soon as possible.
More than 300 aftershocks have been felt since the initial quake, putting citizens on edge.
In Macaracas, the earthquake has left some residents unable to sleep safely in their own homes, forcing them into warehouses, porches and other makeshift arrangements.
"I spoke to my brother and his house fell down. He has another home near here but he has it rented out. His daughter is about to have a baby but they are sleeping in a warehouse," said Guinar Monroy, a local resident.
"We can stay in the house, but we choose to sleep outside on the porch. We'll set up the mattresses and sleep right there," said Daila Rodriguez, another resident in Macaracas.
Medical teams in Panama work to sustain essential services after powerful earthquake
