October 22, 2026 | Panama City, Panama | Johana Garcia and Inter-American Division News Staff

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Panama has launched a nationwide relief effort following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck October 9, leaving one person dead, 27 injured and thousands of families facing damage to their homes.

More than 27,000 people have reported damage to their homes, according to an October 17 update from Panama’s National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), as cited in media reports. The earthquake, centered near Tonosí in southern Panama, caused widespread damage, particularly in Los Santos, Herrera, Veraguas and Coclé. Many families have lost their homes or remain in temporary shelters as authorities assess damaged structures.

Two Seventh-day Adventist volunteers stand ready to distribute bags of food from a pickup truck to families affected by the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck Panama on October 9, 2026. [Photo: Panama Union]
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 essential supplies.

“The church has come together across the entire country,” said Pastor Jose Smith, president of the Panama Union. “We have collection centers in every local field, and supplies are already being sent to those affected.”

ADRA Panama volunteers unload mattresses for distribution to families affected by the October 9 earthquake in Panama. [Photo: Panama Union]
The earthquake, which struck at 12:56 p.m. local time, was felt throughout the country. More than 200 aftershocks have followed, according to Smith, prompting some residents in Panama City to sleep in shopping mall parking lots and other open areas for fear of further tremors.

“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.

An ADRA Panama volunteer assesses a home destroyed by the earthquake as part of ongoing relief efforts in affected communities. [Photo: Panama Union]
Coordinating Relief Across the Country

Ennar Arriojas, ADRA director for the Panama Union, is coordinating the humanitarian response alongside ADRA and 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 Pastor Mike de León.

ADRA Panama volunteers organize donated supplies at a Seventh-day Adventist church serving as a collection center for families affected by the earthquake. [Photo: Panama Union]
The Metropolitan Conference, Western Conference and Southeast 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.

A home damaged by the earthquake in Esquiguita de Pesé, Herrera Province, Panama. [Photo: Panama Union]
At least three Adventist families are known to have sustained damage to their houses, he said, adding that the Panama Union is working with ADRA and local church fields to develop a plan for additional assistance.

“We know of at least 86 families whose homes were damaged, and we are going to assist them,” Smith said. Beyond material assistance, congregations across Panama have organized prayer initiatives and encouraged members to support families affected by the disaster.

Seventh-day Adventist volunteers from Hope Media Panama deliver a food basket to an elderly couple at their earthquake-damaged home in the community of Maracas, Los Santos Province, one of Panama’s hardest-hit areas. [Photo: Panama Union]
A Message of Hope and Solidarity

As communities cope with the damage and continuing aftershocks, Smith has urged church members to remain calm, stand together and draw strength from their faith.

Referring to Psalm 46:1–2, which describes God as a refuge and strength even when the earth gives way, he said the passage has provided encouragement amid the uncertainty.

An ADRA Panama volunteer walks past a home damaged by the earthquake in one of the affected communities. [Photo: Panama Union]
“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.

ADRA Panama volunteers stand outside the Maranatha Gymnasium at Metropolitan Adventist School in Panama City, which served as a donation collection center for families affected by the earthquake. [Photo: Panama Union]
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 needing longer-term support during recovery.