Founded in 1569, La Villa de Los Santos preserves in its streets the urban layout inherited from the colonial era, with its central square, old houses and the historic church of San Atanasio, whose architectural value is part of the memory of the region. But two days after the earthquake of October 9, the town’s appearance is very different. Tents and shelters have become the norm in a community where the fear of further tremors keeps residents out of their homes. And with good reason. More than 200 aftershocks have been recorded in different parts of the country. Cracks in buildings and damaged homes not only pose a housing emergency, but also the challenge of preserving spaces that connect the community to its past.
Simón Bolívar and Rufina Alfaro Parks have been Converted into Spaces for Setting up Tents and Providing Temporary Shelters.
Residents of the La Villa Neighborhood are Camping Out and Waiting for Authorities to Tell Them How and When they Can Return to their Homes.
Other residents have set up tents in their backyards, while some have chosen to sleep in their cars, prepared to leave if necessary. The earthquake caused enormous fear that, far from dissipating, remains alive every time an aftershock is felt. It’s not just the fear of experiencing another earthquake of that intensity. There is also the fear that the structures that have already been shaken will finally give way and turn into rubble. As the days passed, the stories of the residents of La Villa went from fear and uncertainty after the earthquake to pleas for help to deal with its consequences. Many are afraid to return to their homes, if they are still standing, as the need grows for answers about the safety of the affected structures, the conditions in which families remain, and the support they will receive to begin to recover. Among the most emblematic structures of La Villa de Los Santos that were affected by the earthquake are the church of San Atanasio, the municipal building, the facilities of the National Police, the fire station, the National Bank and the Folklore School, in addition to several homes.
The Temple Suffered Structural Damage after the Earthquake on October 9, 2026.
The damage affected everyone: public buildings, spaces linked to community life, and constructions that are part of the historical and cultural identity of the site. At 5:00 pm this Sunday, October 11, a burst of rain fell on La Villa de Los Santos. At another time, it would have been a blessing, relieving the heat and providing moisture for the crops. Today, for those who lost the roof of their homes due to the earthquake, it was the last thing they needed: more water on their belongings and the threat of spending another night outdoors.
The post The Heritage and Changes in Life in La Villa Los Santos Panama Were Shaken by the Earthquake. appeared first on Newsroom Panama.