Panama Under Tsunami Advisory - Breaking News
3:07 Tsunami waves are expected to hit Punta Burica, in the province of Chiriqui at 5:54pm. No report has been made as to wave magnitude specifics. Alerts are still in effect as monitoring is ongoing. People have been advised to stay away from effected areas and avoid using boats. 2:08 Costa Rica has ruled out the possibility of a strong impact of the tsunami caused by the devastating earthquake that rocked Japan, but has issued an advisory for people to stay vigilant. Waves are expected to reach the Costa Rican coast around 4pm today. 1:27 Mexico, the first Latin American country to receive the waves triggered by the earthquake in Japan, reported waves of upto 70 centimeters. Officials say the effects will be minimal. Mexico's Civil Defence Coordinator said that it was a positive scenario, however it is still important to remain vigilant. The wave impact was also delayed by 45 minutes according to predicated calculations. 12:30 The Emergency Operations Center in the province of Herrera will be operational from 4:30 pm today. Cautionary areas are Burica Punta, Chiriquí, and Punta Mala, in the province of Los Santos. The effects are expected to be minor in the Gulf of Parita. Some classes have been suspended in schools in coastal areas. Fishermen of the Port of Boca de Parita and El Agallito were asked to return to port. Guatamala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica y Honduras are also taking precautionary measures. 11:18 The president of the Fishermen's Association in Pedregal, reported that about 15 small fishing boats left at dawn today unaware of the warning. The boats are small and without radios. Speed boats have been sent to warn of the danger, as well as bring the news to some 200 people living on islands in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Fishermen and bathers in Chiriqui are advised to stay away from the ocean today.
11:06 The National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has issued a preventative alert after a dozen Latin American countries were included in a tsunami warning issued. The matter is being treated with the utmost urgency, as earlier today Sinaproc activited the Emergency Center. A press release advised that by 2pm today, the strength of the waves could be confirmed.
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10:30 The Tsunami that is currently devastating Japan is expected to affect Panama to some degree. Sinaproc has not issued any disaster instructions, but is paying close attention to the situation. This morning President Ricardo Martinelli is asking people to remain calm.
Panama was listed in the NOAA's National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami watch report, along with other countries on Pacific coast lines. The advisory areas listed are:
PANAMA PUNTA_BURICA 8.0N 277.1E 2254Z 11 MAR
PUNTA_MALA 7.5N 280.0E 2340Z 11 MAR
PUERTO_PINA 7.4N 282.0E 2350Z 11 MAR
BALBOA_HTS. 9.0N 280.4E 0201Z 12 MAR
The govement advises that Sinaproc is the only agency authorized to give information on a tsunami in Panama. Fishermen were warned not to take the water today.
