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Aid coordinated for victims of Santa Ana building fire
🇵🇦 Panama /Disasters & Emergencies

Aid coordinated for victims of Santa Ana building fire

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A devastating fire in Panama's Casco Antiguo district has left at least 50 people, including children, temporarily housed in a community center.
  • The blaze completely destroyed homes and businesses in a historic building, leaving 14 families vulnerable and dependent on daily earnings.
  • Government ministries and private entities are coordinating aid, while affected families urgently seek long-term housing solutions and support for basic needs like school supplies.

A severe fire in Panama's historic Casco Antiguo has left dozens of residents displaced and facing an uncertain future. At least 42 adults and eight children are currently being sheltered provisionally at the Santa Ana Community Center following the destructive blaze that engulfed a multi-story building on Wednesday night.

the fire began around 7:50 p.m., at which point all the front businesses were already closed.

— Affected residentDescribing the timing and initial impact of the fire.

The inferno left no survivors in its path, completely consuming both the residential units and the commercial spaces within the structure. This has plunged 14 families into a state of extreme vulnerability, as they have lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods, many of which were tied to businesses operating within the destroyed building.

when they realized the situation, the fire had already consumed the front part, so they had no time to save any of their belongings and only managed to save themselves.

— Affected residentExplaining the speed of the fire and inability to rescue possessions.

One affected resident recounted the terrifying moments the fire broke out around 7:50 p.m. By the time they realized the extent of the danger, the flames had already ravaged the front of the building, leaving no opportunity to salvage any personal belongings. The immediate priority became ensuring their own safety, with all possessions lost.

the material losses are total, including my home, my business, and my merchandise.

— Affected residentDetailing the extent of the financial and personal losses.

In response to the crisis, a spokesperson for the community board confirmed that 14 families are receiving assistance at the temporary shelter. Continuous support is being provided through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Government, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Mayor's Office of Panama, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Health, and private sector partners. However, the affected families urgently appeal for help from the president, mayor, and ministers to find sustainable solutions, especially for children who cannot return to school without essential items like uniforms and shoes.

the children have not been able to resume their classes due to lack of uniforms and shoes.

— Affected residentHighlighting the impact on children's education.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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