A 22-year-old woman who sustained severe injuries during the October 9 earthquake in Macaracas has been released from Hospital Santo Tomás, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing earthquake recovery Panama efforts. Suribeth Sadai Cortez Atencio returned to her family on Monday, November 2, after spending 23 days under medical supervision, more than two weeks of which were in critical condition.
Hospital officials confirmed the discharge following weeks of intensive treatment for head trauma and a closed abdominal injury. Cortez was originally rushed to Panama City after a wall in her home collapsed on her as she attempted to escape the tremors that struck the Los Santos province.
#NacionalCri Suribeth Cortez, la joven de 22 años que quedó atrapada bajo los escombros de su vivienda durante el terremoto del 9 de octubre en Macaracas, recibió el alta médica tras varias semanas hospitalizada en el Santo Tomás. Debido a que su familia perdió completamente su casa, fue trasladada a la residencia de una tía en la ciudad de Panamá, donde continuará su recuperación. El artista y creador de contenido Andrés Moya impulsa una campaña solidaria para ayudarla a tener un nuevo hogar y solicitó al alcalde capitalino, Mayer Mizrachi, apoyo para conseguirle una vivienda tipo contenedor de manera provisional. Más detalles en: https://t.co/R66npaIgGV
— Diario Critica.Pa (@criticaenlinea) November 3, 2026
Miracle Discharge and Rehabilitation Milestones
By October 25, the Ministry of Health reported that Cortez no longer required respiratory assistance. She remained conscious and could communicate with medical staff. Scans conducted during that period showed no brain lesions or cardiac complications, though she experienced difficulty moving her arms and legs.
Physical therapy began while she was still hospitalized to address mobility challenges. Doctors monitored her neurological and cardiovascular function closely, given the severity of the abdominal trauma and head injuries sustained when the wall collapsed.
Community Impact and Ongoing Recovery Context
Cortez resides in El Pájaro, a community in the Macaracas district. Her case drew attention as a key serious injuries reported following the earthquake that rattled the Azuero region. The seismic event triggered widespread structural assessments and prompted local authorities to review emergency response protocols.
Regional officials continue to evaluate housing stability in affected areas, particularly for structures similar to the one that failed during the quake. The earthquake recovery Panama process includes both medical rehabilitation for survivors and infrastructure reinforcement across vulnerable communities.
Family Reunification and Next Steps
With her hospital discharge complete, Cortez now begins outpatient recovery alongside relatives. Medical staff have outlined a continued rehabilitation plan focused on restoring full mobility to her limbs. No further surgical interventions have been scheduled.
Her survival and progressive improvement stand as a notable outcome amid the broader regional recovery. Health authorities continue tracking other individuals injured during the earthquake, while engineering teams assess long-term structural risks in Macaracas and surrounding districts.