Panama Union Mission launched a nationwide relief effort following the 7.5-magnitude earthquake in southern Panama that left one dead, 27 injured, and thousands of families with damaged homes.
The earthquake, centered near Tonosí, caused widespread damage, particularly in Los Santos, Herrera, Veraguas, and Coclé. According to an October 17 update from Panama's National Civil Protection System, more than 27,000 people have reported damage to their homes. Many families have lost their homes or remain in temporary shelters as authorities assess damaged structures.
Adventist leaders report that approximately 10 churches and dozens of Adventist families have been affected. Through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Panama, the Church has mobilized volunteers and activated collection centers across its local church fields to provide food, drinking water, hygiene products, clothing, and other essentials.
“The church has come together across the entire country,” said Jose Smith, Panama Union Mission president. “We have collection centers in every local field, and supplies are already being sent to those affected.”
The earthquake struck at 12:56pm local time. More than 200 aftershocks have followed, said Smith, prompting residents in Panama City to sleep in shopping mall parking lots and other open areas to remain safe if future tremors occur.
“People are sleeping in parking lots and even in mall corridors because they are afraid,” Smith said. He added that damage to water treatment facilities supplying the capital has disrupted services, extending the earthquake’s impact beyond the hardest-hit provinces.
Ennar Arriojas, ADRA Panama director, is coordinating the humanitarian response alongside Youth Ministries directors from local church fields.
The Central Panama Conference, whose territory includes some of the most affected communities, is serving as a major distribution hub. Church members, Pathfinders, and youth volunteers are helping receive, sort, and prepare donations, with support from conference president Mike de León.
The Metropolitan Panama Conference, West Panama Conference, and Southeast Panama Mission have also opened collection centers, channeling supplies toward the Central Panama Conference for distribution to communities in need.
Smith said the relief operation is already reaching affected families, while Church leaders continue evaluating damage to Adventist properties and members’ homes.
At least three Adventist families are known to have sustained damage to their houses, Smith said, adding that the Panama Union Mission is working with ADRA Panama and local Church fields to develop a plan for additional assistance.
Beyond material assistance, congregations across Panama have organized prayer initiatives and encouraged members to support families affected by the disaster.
As communities cope with the damage and continuing aftershocks, Smith urged Church members to remain calm, stand together, and draw strength from their faith.
“We have been reminding our members to remain calm,” Smith said. “We have witnessed God fulfilling His promises. Even though the earth may be shaken, the Lord will be with us.”
He also encouraged congregations to remain united in service and continue sharing the hope of Christ’s soon return.
For Smith, the Church’s response extends beyond its membership to anyone affected by the disaster.
“We are here to serve you. The Adventist Church is here to support you,” he said. “We are one country. It doesn’t matter where you come from. The Church will stand by you and help you.”
ADRA Panama and local Church leaders plan to continue providing assistance as they identify families in need of longer-term support during recovery.
The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.
