Field report, posted using tablet...

M4.5 - PANAMA

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude4.5

Date-Time

28 Apr 2013 15:40:16 UTC
28 Apr 2013 10:40:16 near epicenter
28 Apr 2013 09:40:16 standard time in your timezone
Location7.341N 78.228W
Depth39 km
Distances
20 km (12 mi) SSW of Jaque, Panama
174 km (107 mi) WSW of Chigorodo, Colombia
179 km (110 mi) WSW of Carepa, Colombia
185 km (114 mi) WSW of Turbo, Colombia
231 km (143 mi) SE of Panama, Panama
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 23.2 km; Vertical 12.8 km
Parameters
Nph = 40; Dmin = 268.3 km;
Rmss = 1.45 seconds; Gp = 57°Version = 6
Event IDus b000gh2q
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: 
Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information Center
U.S. Geological Survey
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/neic/

In the last 48 hours there have been six earthquakes in the province of Chiriquí, according to reports from the Institute of Geo-sciences of the University of Panama, as well as the Civil Protection System (NSCP). (more)

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An earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale was recorded today, Friday, 12 April 2013, at 5:30 am. This occurred in Chiriquí, Panama, said the Civil Protection System. (more)

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Yesterday, at 4:26 am, there was an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 on the Richter scale within 53 kilometers southwest of Puerto Armuelles, in the bay of Costa Rica, according to the Institute of Geosciences at the University of Panama. (more)

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Three earthquakes were recorded yesterday morning, in the province of Chiriquí, these have caused alarm in the population. (more)

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By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck South of Panama last night.

The earthquake hit at 10:46 pm local time, and the epicenter was located at 7.552N 82.791W and a depth of 7 km.

Distances: 53 km (32 mi) S of Punta de Burica, Panama, 81 km (50 mi) S of Puerto Armuelles, Panama, 98 km (60 mi) SSW of Pedregal, Panama, 104 km (64 mi) SSW of David, Panama, 299 km (185 mi) SSE of San Jose, Costa Rica.

Event ID: us b000fkpv

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 on the Richter scale struck Chiriqui this morning, as reported by the Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI).

Several Twitter users reported that it was strong, but lasted only a few seconds. The earthquake had a depth of 5 kilometers.

According to OVSICORI the quake struck at 8:41 local time this morning in Panama.

The National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) said the quake was 4.3 on the Richter scale, and the epicenter was located in the mountains of Boquete. It was felt in David and Dolega.

Several schools ordered the evacuation of students as a precaution. (Mi Diario)

Editor's Comment: This earthquake has not yet been reported by the US Geological Survey. These little 4.x earthquakes are "good" in that they don't cause any damage, and allow the shifting plates to relieve stress over time. The ones to worry about are the 9.x earthquakes that only go off once every 500 years or so. These little shakers are very common in Chiriqui.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck South of Panama last night.

The epicenter was located at coordinates 6.130°N 82.625°W and at a depth of 10.2km (6.3mi).

The event occurred on Thursday, 28 February 2013 at 23:11 pm local time. Distances: 212km (132mi) S of Punta de Burica, Panama, 239km (149mi) S of Puerto Armuelles, Panama, 248km (154mi) S of Pedregal, Panama, 254km (158mi) S of David, Panama, 450km (280mi) SSE of San Jose, Costa Rica.

An earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale rocked the highlands of the Chiriqui province, causing no casualties or damage, reported the Institute of Geosciences (IGC).

The quake was recorded at 10:44 local time (15.44 GMT) with a depth of 9 kilometers and an epicenter located 14 kilometers east of the community of Volcan and close to Boquete, in the Chiriqui highlands, said a statement from the IGC of the University of Panama.

This earthquake was felt by the population of that region and there were no reported casualties or damage.

On 17 November, three earthquakes, two of magnitudes 4.2 and one of 4.5 in the Richter scale, rocked western Panama, Chiriqui, causing no affectations. (TVN)

Abelardo Serrano, the Regional Director of the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) in the province of Chiriqui, said they are working to prepare the public for the possibility of any earthquake, and they said the main thing is to remain calm.

Serrano said on the channel 2 TVN morning news that the people population in Chiriqui has to learn to live with the threat of earthquakes, and for this they should prepare themselves beforehand, during and after the event, because 26 of the 50 earthquakes that have occurred in Panama have happened in province.

Although SINAPROC recognizes that they are not 100% prepared, Serrano said they have worked hard in the schools, and soon they will receive a seismograph, an instrument developed to measure earthquakes or tremors caused by the lifting and shifting of the tectonic plates on earth.

On Saturday, three earthquakes, two of them of magnitude 4.2 and another of 4.5 on the Richter scale shook the western province of Chiriqui.

Three earthquakes, two of them of magnitude 4.2 and another of 4.5 on the Richter scale today shook western Panama, causing no casualties or damage, officials said.

The Institute of Geosciences, of the State University of Panama said on its website that the first quake, of magnitude 4.2, occurred at 8:32 am local time (13:32 GMT) in the highlands of the province of Chiriqui, bordering Costa Rica.

The quake had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter was located in the region of Volcan.

The second earthquake, of magnitude 4.5, occurred at 15:00 local time (20:00 GMT) and had a depth of 10 kilometers and was centered near Punta Burica Lemons, also in the province of Chiriquí.

The third quake was recorded at 15:03 local time (20:03 GMT), had a depth of 3 kilometers and its epicenter was located in Punta Burica.

The director general of the National System of Civil Protection (NSCP), Arturo Alvarado, told local media that the two earthquakes did not cause any kind of disruption. (Panama America)

The Foreign Minister Romulo Roux, lamented the situation facing the people of Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico, hit by earthquakes that have left property damage and loss of life. Roux wrote on his Twitter account "My heart goes out to the people of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. An unfortunate tragedy." He sent a message to the Panamanians who are in these countries, and he said the Panama embassies are open to serve them.

In Guatemala, an earthquake of magnitude 7.2 on the Richter scale has killed at least 48 people and caused injuries to 155, according to the latest official report released by the president Otto Perez Molina, who traveled to the disaster area. The quake was also felt strongly in El Salvador and parts of southeastern Mexico. (TVN)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck Guatemala at 10:35 am local Panama time this morning. The epicenter was located at 14.083N 91.916W and a depth of 41 km. Distances: 56 km (35 miles) SSW (206 degrees) of Retalhuleu, Guatemala; 61 km (38 miles) SSE (148 degrees) of Suchiate, Chiapas, Mexico; 66 km (41 miles) SW (221 degrees) of Mazatenango, Suchitepéquez, Guatemala; 95 km (59 miles) SSW (208 degrees) of Quezaltenango, Guatemala; 163 km (101 miles) WSW (248 degrees) of GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala. USGS Event ID: us b000dlwm

Editor's Comment: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued an advisory saying they don't think this earthquake has generated a widespread or destructive tsunami that could affect the Pacific or Hawaii.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Don't forget to follow Panama Guide on Twitter. Salud.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale struck Panama yesterday afternoon at 6:30 pm local time. The epicenter was located at 9.307°N, 78.205°W and a depth of 63.8 km (39.6 miles). Distances: 3 km (1 miles) ENE of Playon Chico, Panama; 100 km (62 miles) E of Chepo, Panama; 121 km (75 miles) ENE of Pacora, Panama; 132 km (82 miles) E of Tocumen, Panama. USGS Event ID: usb000dkxu

Editor's Comment: I normally don't report on earthquakes that are in the 4.x range, but a few people noticed this one and talked about it on some of the email forums. So, here it is.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Don't forget to follow Panama Guide on Twitter. Salud.

A study on the seismic risk of the western city of David, Panama, presented today by the Government and the World Bank, found that 35% of homes are vulnerable to an earthquake, and recommended a series of measures to minimize the impact of a possible natural disaster in the area.

The results of the Technical Assistance Project were presented Wednesday by the Disaster Risk Management specialist from the World Bank (WB) for Latin America and the Caribbean, Fernando Ramírez.

The study, funded by grants from the World Bank and the Government of Spain, was developed by Panamanian government institutions, including the Ministry of Housing and the University of Panama, and with the technical assistance and advice of the World Bank.

The project involved the development of a "process applied to seismic risk modeling, which analyzed a portfolio of housing, schools and health centers" of David, said Ramirez.

"A loss estimate was done, with the probabilistic modeling technique, which computes a set of possible earthquakes", of different magnitudes, "and its consequences, and from there risk maps were prepared, which indicate different levels of loss in the city," said the specialist.

One of the results of the study in David is that 35% of the nearly 42,000 homes in the city do not have "masonry and confinement, ie they do not have the necessary columns and beams to support the walls."

"That 35% of housing is therefore the most vulnerable" to a natural disaster, Ramirez said, and he added that they also analyzed the structures of two dozen schools and a few hospitals that also showed different levels of vulnerability.

Among the recommendations contained in the report to minimize the impact of a possible natural disaster are "improving the characterization of some soils of the city because the seismic wave changes depending on the surface composition of the same."

It also calls for promoting "home improvement programs that encourages the owners themselves to improve them, and to offer technical advice to builders of popular projects."

It even proposes to "insure part of the portfolio of the vulnerable buildings to minimize the economic impact the government would face as the consequences of a catastrophe.

The technical study released Wednesday is part of a regional program that seeks to estimate the potential impact of catastrophic events in order to define public policies to mitigate risks.

The project has an estimated cost of about $120,000, provided by the World Bank and Spain through grant funds or donations, Ramirez said without giving further details. (Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: Translation - if a serious earthquake ever hits David, Panama, about 14,700 houses would all collapse at the same time. Buildings built in this area should be designed with enough structure (columns and beams) to ensure it will remain standing during the event, and not kill the occupants in a collapse. You might have to bulldoze the thing due to damage after the event, but in many cases properly engineered things are designed to safe your life in an emergency - like an airbag in a car - even though you're not likely to drive away after the accident takes place. When I build things I over spec, meaning build beyond what is required by law, regulations, or the math of weights and measures. Earthquakes are scary things, and I don't like them one bit.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Well, that little bit of earthquake and tsunami related drama for this morning is now history. Once again the event was illustrative, and served to demonstrate that Panama's National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC), both the Director Arturo Alvarado and their Emergency Operations Center on the former Howard Air Force Base, are quite simply incapable of reading and understanding the Tsunami warnings being issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) in Hawaii.

Initial Confusion: Admittedly, there was some initial confusion caused when the PTWC first issued a Tsunami warning for the Caribbean, which was a mistake. Within three minutes they cancelled that alert, and issued a correct one for the Pacific region. I called and spoke to one of the scientists on their watch floor who explained that because both Panama and Costa Rica are such relatively narrow countries, a change of just a few degrees to the East or West can mean the potential Tsunami could occur in either the Pacific or the Caribbean. So, it was an honest mistake that they quickly caught and corrected.

Reporting On The Event: This morning the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) was pretty much flat on their ass (as usual) with regards to this potential Tsunami threat for Panama. Meanwhile, I was all over it. The checklist is pretty simply. An earthquake occurred. The PTWC issued an alert. Let people know about the alert, and keep reporting until it's cancelled. Not a hard formula.

SINAPROC "Disbelieves" The PTWC: However for some unknown reason, the SINAPROC apparently has a strong tendency to sort of "disbelieve" any potential Tsunami threat issued for Panama. Today's event is not the first time this happened. On Saturday, 27 February 2010, an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale hit Chile. The PTWC issued a series of warning messages on the potential for a Tsunami hitting Panama. In the middle of that event the SINAPROC Director Arturo Alvarado did exactly what he did today. He sort of "disbelieved" the PTWC reports. He went on live television and said there was no Tsunami warning for Panama, when in fact there was still a live and current and valid threat in place from the PTWC. If you want to read the history on all of this stuff, just go to the Earthquakes section of this website (http://www.panama-guide.com/index.php?topic=earthquakes) and scroll back about three pages, until you get to the reporting on the event in Chile.

During The Recent El Salvador Event: Nine days ago, on 27 August 2012, there was an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale that also generated a Tsunami warning from the PTWC. Once again, the Director of the SINAPROC came out and said "there is no warning" for Panama, when that was not the case. He was just flat out wrong, again. He seems to be making it a habit on these issues. At that time Alvarado said that these Tsunami warnings are automatically generated every time there's an earthquake, and there's no need to be worried by them. In short - you can blow them off, because he does. What a friggin' moron...

PhD's at the PTWC: These Tsunami warnings are issued by a team of experts who are the most highly trained, experienced, and respected scientists on the planet with regards to these phenomenon. Just look at the picture. This could be the lineup for the next season of "Big Bang Theory" - but when you want it done right, turbo geeks are a good thing. I don't see any "automatic sensors" in this photo, but rather I see knowledge, training, experience, and wisdom. This morning the SINAPROC issued a press release saying because the PTWC issued a warning that a Tsunami might hit Punta Burica at 10:27 am local, and since it didn't happen, they decided to blow off the entire alert. So - ask yourselves - who are you going to believe? For my money, I'm going with the geek squad at the PTWC. If you want to throw in with the SINAPROC's Emergency Warning Center "just blow it off" attitude, then best of luck with that...

All Kidding Aside: The Director of the SINAPROC Arturo Alvarado should be handed a plane ticket. He needs to fly to Hawaii. The PTWC is located at 91-270 Fort Weaver Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706-2928 USA and their phone number is 1-808-689-8207. I am absolutely certain if he calls ahead and makes an appointment, they will give him the nickle tour, and explain a couple of things about the science of detecting and warning about the possibility of a Tsunami in Panama. Or, I could take out his spleen with a dull knife. He's no Tsunami expert, and I'm no surgeon. Same difference. It's important, because 3.5 million Panamanians depend on him being able to make the right call. And this is a call he has been blowing, with regularity...

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center just issued another message at 12:02 pm local, cancelling the Tsunami warning for the Pacific coast of Panama.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

000
WEPA40 PHEB 051702
TSUPAC

TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 004
PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS
ISSUED AT 1702Z 05 SEP 2012

THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO AREAS WITHIN AND BORDERING THE PACIFIC
OCEAN AND ADJACENT SEAS...EXCEPT ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...
WASHINGTON...OREGON AND CALIFORNIA.

... TSUNAMI WARNING CANCELLATION ...

THE TSUNAMI WARNING AND/OR WATCH ISSUED BY THE PACIFIC TSUNAMI
WARNING CENTER IS NOW CANCELLED FOR

COSTA RICA / PANAMA / NICARAGUA

THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AS ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. ONLY
NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE
DECISIONS REGARDING THE OFFICIAL STATE OF ALERT IN THEIR AREA AND
ANY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN RESPONSE.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

ORIGIN TIME - 1442Z 05 SEP 2012
COORDINATES - 9.9 NORTH 85.5 WEST
DEPTH - 46 KM
LOCATION - OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
MAGNITUDE - 7.6

MEASUREMENTS OR REPORTS OF TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY

GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON
------------------- ----- ------
ACAJUTLA SV 13.6N 89.8W NO TSUNAMI WAS OBSERVED

LAT - LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH)
LON - LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
TIME - TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME)
AMPL - TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL.
IT IS ...NOT... CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT.
VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS(M) AND FEET(FT).
PER - PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES(MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT.

EVALUATION

ALTHOUGH SEA LEVEL READINGS DO NOT INDICATE THAT A TSUNAMI WAS
GENERATED... THERE MAY HAVE BEEN DESTRUCTIVE WAVES ALONG COASTS
NEAR THE EARTHQUAKE EPICENTER.

FOR THOSE AREAS - WHEN NO MAJOR WAVES ARE OBSERVED FOR TWO HOURS
AFTER THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL OR DAMAGING WAVES HAVE NOT
OCCURRED FOR AT LEAST TWO HOURS THEN LOCAL AUTHORITIES CAN ASSUME
THE THREAT IS PASSED. DANGER TO BOATS AND COASTAL STRUCTURES CAN
CONTINUE FOR SEVERAL HOURS DUE TO RAPID CURRENTS. AS LOCAL
CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE A WIDE VARIATION IN TSUNAMI WAVE ACTION THE
ALL CLEAR DETERMINATION MUST BE MADE BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

NO TSUNAMI THREAT EXISTS FOR OTHER COASTAL AREAS IN THE PACIFIC
ALTHOUGH SOME OTHER AREAS MAY EXPERIENCE SMALL SEA LEVEL CHANGES.
THE TSUNAMI WARNING IS NOW CANCELLED FOR ALL AREAS COVERED BY
THIS CENTER.

THIS WILL BE THE FINAL BULLETIN ISSUED FOR THIS EVENT UNLESS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.

THE WEST COAST/ALASKA TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER WILL ISSUE PRODUCTS
FOR ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...WASHINGTON...OREGON...CALIFORNIA.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has issued another, fresh warning about the possibility of a Tsunami for the Pacific coast of Panama. They estimate that if a Tsunami has been generated, it might reach Panama City (Balboa Heights in the message) at 12:42 pm local Panama time. It is important to note that the Panamanian National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) has issued an order preventing use of the beaches along Panama's Pacific coast this afternoon until 2:00 pm, but at the same time they are saying that the warning for Panama has been cancelled, which is simply incorrect. The warning remains in effect, right now.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

000
WEPA40 PHEB 051623
TSUPAC

TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 003
PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS
ISSUED AT 1623Z 05 SEP 2012

THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO AREAS WITHIN AND BORDERING THE PACIFIC
OCEAN AND ADJACENT SEAS...EXCEPT ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...
WASHINGTON...OREGON AND CALIFORNIA.

NO CHANGE FROM THE PREVIOUS BULLETIIN. WAITING FOR SEA LEVEL
READINGS.

... A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT ...

A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR

COSTA RICA / PANAMA / NICARAGUA

FOR ALL OTHER AREAS COVERED BY THIS BULLETIN... IT IS FOR
INFORMATION ONLY AT THIS TIME.

THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AS ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. ONLY
NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE
DECISIONS REGARDING THE OFFICIAL STATE OF ALERT IN THEIR AREA AND
ANY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN RESPONSE.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

ORIGIN TIME - 1442Z 05 SEP 2012
COORDINATES - 9.9 NORTH 85.5 WEST
DEPTH - 46 KM
LOCATION - OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
MAGNITUDE - 7.6

EVALUATION

IT IS NOT KNOWN THAT A TSUNAMI WAS GENERATED. THIS WARNING IS
BASED ONLY ON THE EARTHQUAKE EVALUATION. AN EARTHQUAKE OF THIS
SIZE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO GENERATE A DESTRUCTIVE TSUNAMI THAT CAN
STRIKE COASTLINES IN THE REGION NEAR THE EPICENTER WITHIN MINUTES
TO HOURS. AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION SHOULD TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS POSSIBILITY. THIS CENTER WILL CONTINUE
TO MONITOR SEA LEVEL GAUGES NEAREST THE REGION AND REPORT IF ANY
TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY IS OBSERVED. THE WARNING WILL NOT EXPAND
TO OTHER AREAS OF THE PACIFIC UNLESS ADDITIONAL DATA ARE RECEIVED
TO WARRANT SUCH AN EXPANSION.

ESTIMATED INITIAL TSUNAMI WAVE ARRIVAL TIMES AT FORECAST POINTS
WITHIN THE WARNING AND WATCH AREAS ARE GIVEN BELOW. ACTUAL
ARRIVAL TIMES MAY DIFFER AND THE INITIAL WAVE MAY NOT BE THE
LARGEST. A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF WAVES AND THE TIME BETWEEN
SUCCESSIVE WAVES CAN BE FIVE MINUTES TO ONE HOUR.

LOCATION FORECAST POINT COORDINATES ARRIVAL TIME
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------
COSTA RICA CABO_SAN_ELENA 10.9N 274.0E 1510Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_QUEPOS 9.4N 275.8E 1518Z 05 SEP
CABO_MATAPALO 8.4N 276.7E 1536Z 05 SEP
PANAMA PUNTA_BURICA 8.0N 277.1E 1527Z 05 SEP
PUNTA_MALA 7.5N 280.0E 1615Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_PINA 7.4N 282.0E 1631Z 05 SEP
BALBOA_HTS. 9.0N 280.4E 1742Z 05 SEP
NICARAGUA SAN_JUAN_DL_SUR 11.2N 274.1E 1531Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_SANDINO 12.2N 273.2E 1550Z 05 SEP
CORINTO 12.5N 272.8E 1546Z 05 SEP

BULLETINS WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.
THE TSUNAMI WARNING WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

THE WEST COAST/ALASKA TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER WILL ISSUE PRODUCTS
FOR ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...WASHINGTON...OREGON...CALIFORNIA.

The Director of the National System of Civil Protection (NSCP) of Panama, Arturo Alvarado, said after earthquake of 7.9 on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica, there is no tsunami alert for this country. This clarification occurs in response to the fear of the people after a tsunami warning for countries in the region was issued, which minutes later was suspended. However, the official issued a preventive warning, ordering people not to use the beaches of the Pacific Coast of Panama until after 2:00 pm. Alvarado also said that despite being strongly felt in the provinces of Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui, there were no reports of damage in Panama. Similarly he announced he would contact his counterparts in Costa Rica. (Estrella)

Editor's Comment: And this is a perfect explanation of why Arturo Alvarado is a friggin idiot. Details follow...

• 1. The earthquake occurred in Costa Rica at 14:42 zulu, or 9:42 am local Panama Time.

• 2. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued their first alert five minutes later, at 14:47 zulu - for the CARIBBEAN. This was a mistake. Here is a link to that message.

• 3. Three minutes later, at 14:40 zulu, or 9:50 am local time, the PTWC realized their mistake, and issued their first warning for the PACIFIC. Here is a link to that message.

• 4. In the same minute, at 14:50 zulu, or 9:50 am local time, the PTWC issued a cancellation for the CARIBBEAN, saying it was a mistake, and the warning was meant for the PACIFIC and not the CARIBBEAN. Here is a link to that message.

• 5. One minute later, at 14:51 zulu, the PTWC issued a heads up message for the state of Hawaii. Here is a link to that message.

• 6. Then at 15:25 zulu, or 10:25 am local Panama time, the PTWC issued the most recent warning for the PACIFIC region. In that message they reduced the risk, and took everyone else off of the list except for Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. Therefore, Panama is currently, RIGHT NOW, under a current TSUNAMI warning. This is a simple statement of fact.

If Alvarado Alvarado and the people who he has working for him at their Emergency Operations Center can't read or understand these messages, then they need to find other lines of work. They should quit, or be fired. This is beyond funny or ridiculous, it's dangerous.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - On one hand they issue a press release ordering everyone off of Panama's Pacific beaches until 2:00 pm this afternoon, and then via Twitter they issue a tweet saying "we call for calm, there is no Tsunami alert, emergency line is *335". I immediately replied to that tweet with a link to the current and valid TSUNAMI WARNING that has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center for Panama. I simply do not understand what the hell is wrong with the SINAPROC in Panama. They are one screwed up organization. Why issue information that you know to be incorrect? It does not make any sense to me...

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Following the strong quake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale in Costa Rica, which was replicated in the provinces of Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro and prompting a tsunami warning in the Pacific coast issued by the Regional Centre in Hawaii, the director National System of Civil Protection, Arturo Alvarado, said on Telemetro that as a preventive measure they require everyone not to use the Pacific beaches until after 2:00 pm

Alvarado confirmed that the Center issued a tsunami warning for Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, said that Panama has a preventive alert, and asked all citizens not to use beaches, especially for fishermen and tourists to stay away from the piers.

The Sinaproc director said officials have toured the affected provinces, where buildings were ordered evacuated, but so far have had no reports of damage, "it was a major earthquake" he said. (Press Release)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The PTWC just issued an update, in which they cancel the tsunami warning for everyone except Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. So therefore, there is still a valid and current tsunami warning in effect for Panama. Spread the word, and ignore anyone else who is confused. Several other news agencies have issued statements saying the tsunami alert has been cancelled, which is not true for Panama. Heads Up.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

000
WEPA40 PHEB 051525
TSUPAC

TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 002
PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS
ISSUED AT 1525Z 05 SEP 2012

THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO AREAS WITHIN AND BORDERING THE PACIFIC
OCEAN AND ADJACENT SEAS...EXCEPT ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...
WASHINGTON...OREGON AND CALIFORNIA.

THE EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE IS REDUCED TO 7.6
THE WARNING AREA IS REDUCED...SO THE WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR
EL SALVADOR...HONDURAS...MEXICO...COLOMBIA...ECUADOR...
GUATEMALA AND PERU.

... A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT ...

A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR

COSTA RICA / PANAMA / NICARAGUA

FOR ALL OTHER AREAS COVERED BY THIS BULLETIN... IT IS FOR
INFORMATION ONLY AT THIS TIME.

THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AS ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. ONLY
NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE
DECISIONS REGARDING THE OFFICIAL STATE OF ALERT IN THEIR AREA AND
ANY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN RESPONSE.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

ORIGIN TIME - 1442Z 05 SEP 2012
COORDINATES - 9.9 NORTH 85.5 WEST
DEPTH - 46 KM
LOCATION - OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
MAGNITUDE - 7.6

EVALUATION

IT IS NOT KNOWN THAT A TSUNAMI WAS GENERATED. THIS WARNING IS
BASED ONLY ON THE EARTHQUAKE EVALUATION. AN EARTHQUAKE OF THIS
SIZE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO GENERATE A DESTRUCTIVE TSUNAMI THAT CAN
STRIKE COASTLINES IN THE REGION NEAR THE EPICENTER WITHIN MINUTES
TO HOURS. AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION SHOULD TAKE APPROPRIATE
ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS POSSIBILITY. THIS CENTER WILL MONITOR
SEA LEVEL GAUGES NEAREST THE REGION AND REPORT IF ANY TSUNAMI
WAVE ACTIVITY IS OBSERVED. THE WARNING WILL NOT EXPAND TO OTHER
AREAS OF THE PACIFIC UNLESS ADDITIONAL DATA ARE RECEIVED TO
WARRANT SUCH AN EXPANSION.

ESTIMATED INITIAL TSUNAMI WAVE ARRIVAL TIMES AT FORECAST POINTS
WITHIN THE WARNING AND WATCH AREAS ARE GIVEN BELOW. ACTUAL
ARRIVAL TIMES MAY DIFFER AND THE INITIAL WAVE MAY NOT BE THE
LARGEST. A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF WAVES AND THE TIME BETWEEN
SUCCESSIVE WAVES CAN BE FIVE MINUTES TO ONE HOUR.

LOCATION FORECAST POINT COORDINATES ARRIVAL TIME
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------
COSTA RICA CABO_SAN_ELENA 10.9N 274.0E 1510Z 05 SEP
CABO_MATAPALO 8.4N 276.7E 1518Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_QUEPOS 9.4N 275.8E 1536Z 05 SEP
PANAMA PUNTA_BURICA 8.0N 277.1E 1527Z 05 SEP
PUNTA_MALA 7.5N 280.0E 1615Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_PINA 7.4N 282.0E 1631Z 05 SEP
BALBOA_HTS. 9.0N 280.4E 1742Z 05 SEP
NICARAGUA SAN_JUAN_DL_SUR 11.2N 274.1E 1531Z 05 SEP
CORINTO 12.5N 272.8E 1546Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_SANDINO 12.2N 273.2E 1550Z 05 SEP

BULLETINS WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.
THE TSUNAMI WARNING WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

THE WEST COAST/ALASKA TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER WILL ISSUE PRODUCTS
FOR ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...WASHINGTON...OREGON...CALIFORNIA.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - OK, here are the estimated arrival times for any possible or potential Tsunami that might have been generated by the 7.6 earthquake in Costa Rica.

• PANAMA PUNTA_BURICA 8.0N 277.1E 1527Z 05 SEP (Note: 10:27 am local, already passed.)

• PUNTA_MALA 7.5N 280.0E 1615Z 05 SEP (Note: 11:15 am local, in about 40 minutes)

• PUERTO_PINA 7.4N 282.0E 1631Z 05 SEP (Note: 11:31 am local, in about an hour)

• BALBOA_HTS. 9.0N 280.4E 1742Z 05 SEP (Note 12:42 pm local, in about two hours)

Editor's Comment: Apparently CNN in Spanish just issued a Tweet saying the Tsunami warning for the Pacific area of Central America has been cancelled. That is not true. They made the MISTAKE of reading the cancellation of the warning the PTWC accidentally issued for the Caribbean. The warning for Panama and the Pacific is still valid.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale hit Costa Rica at 9:42 am local Panama Time. The epicenter was located at 10.120°N, 85.347°W and at a depth of 40.8 km (25.4 miles). Distances: 60 km (38 miles) SSE (167°) from Liberia, Costa Rica, 127 km (79 miles) SSW (209°) from San Carlos, Nicaragua, 141 km (88 miles) W (276°) from SAN JOSE, Costa Rica. USGS Event ID - usc000cfsd.

Editor's Comment: This earthquake prompted the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to issue a Tsunami Warning for Panama, which remains in affect. Do Not Get Confused: The PTWC accidentally issued a warning for the Caribbean, which they then cancelled with an explanation saying the warning was meant for the Pacific, and it was sent to the Caribbean by mistake. Ignore that stuff. The Pacific warning is still in affect, and valid.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - You will be seeing reports and alerts from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center regarding this event. Panama is located at "Zulu Minus Five" time zone. So, if you see a time of 1515Z, that's 10:15 pm local time.

This tsunami warning is real, and it's happening right now for the Pacific coast of Panama. Spread the word. I'm working this as hard as I can...

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

000
WEPA40 PHEB 051450
TSUPAC

TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 001
PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS
ISSUED AT 1450Z 05 SEP 2012

THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO AREAS WITHIN AND BORDERING THE PACIFIC
OCEAN AND ADJACENT SEAS...EXCEPT ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...
WASHINGTON...OREGON AND CALIFORNIA.

... A TSUNAMI WARNING AND WATCH ARE IN EFFECT ...

A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR

COSTA RICA / <b>PANAMA</b> / NICARAGUA / EL SALVADOR / HONDURAS /
MEXICO / COLOMBIA / ECUADOR / GUATEMALA / PERU

A TSUNAMI WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR

CHILE

FOR ALL OTHER AREAS COVERED BY THIS BULLETIN... IT IS FOR
INFORMATION ONLY AT THIS TIME.

THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AS ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. ONLY
NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE
DECISIONS REGARDING THE OFFICIAL STATE OF ALERT IN THEIR AREA AND
ANY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN RESPONSE.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

ORIGIN TIME - 1442Z 05 SEP 2012
COORDINATES - 9.9 NORTH 85.5 WEST
DEPTH - 46 KM
LOCATION - OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
MAGNITUDE - 7.9

EVALUATION

IT IS NOT KNOWN THAT A TSUNAMI WAS GENERATED. THIS WARNING IS
BASED ONLY ON THE EARTHQUAKE EVALUATION. AN EARTHQUAKE OF THIS
SIZE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO GENERATE A DESTRUCTIVE TSUNAMI THAT CAN
STRIKE COASTLINES NEAR THE EPICENTER WITHIN MINUTES AND MORE
DISTANT COASTLINES WITHIN HOURS. AUTHORITIES SHOULD TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS POSSIBILITY. THIS CENTER
WILL MONITOR SEA LEVEL DATA FROM GAUGES NEAR THE EARTHQUAKE TO
DETERMINE IF A TSUNAMI WAS GENERATED AND ESTIMATE THE SEVERITY OF
THE THREAT.

ESTIMATED INITIAL TSUNAMI WAVE ARRIVAL TIMES AT FORECAST POINTS
WITHIN THE WARNING AND WATCH AREAS ARE GIVEN BELOW. ACTUAL
ARRIVAL TIMES MAY DIFFER AND THE INITIAL WAVE MAY NOT BE THE
LARGEST. A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF WAVES AND THE TIME BETWEEN
SUCCESSIVE WAVES CAN BE FIVE MINUTES TO ONE HOUR.

LOCATION FORECAST POINT COORDINATES ARRIVAL TIME
-------------------------------- ------------ ------------
COSTA RICA CABO_SAN_ELENA 10.9N 274.0E 1510Z 05 SEP
CABO_MATAPALO 8.4N 276.7E 1518Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_QUEPOS 9.4N 275.8E 1536Z 05 SEP
PANAMA PUNTA_BURICA 8.0N 277.1E 1527Z 05 SEP
PUNTA_MALA 7.5N 280.0E 1615Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_PINA 7.4N 282.0E 1631Z 05 SEP
BALBOA_HTS. 9.0N 280.4E 1742Z 05 SEP
NICARAGUA SAN_JUAN_DL_SUR 11.2N 274.1E 1531Z 05 SEP
CORINTO 12.5N 272.8E 1546Z 05 SEP
PUERTO_SANDINO 12.2N 273.2E 1550Z 05 SEP
EL SALVADOR ACAJUTLA 13.6N 270.2E 1604Z 05 SEP
HONDURAS AMAPALA 13.2N 272.4E 1604Z 05 SEP
MEXICO PUERTO_MADERO 14.8N 267.5E 1631Z 05 SEP
MANZANILLO 19.1N 255.7E 1751Z 05 SEP
ACAPULCO 16.9N 260.1E 1757Z 05 SEP
SOCORRO 18.8N 249.0E 1844Z 05 SEP
MAZATLAN 23.2N 253.6E 1848Z 05 SEP
CABO_SAN_LUCAS 22.8N 250.0E 1850Z 05 SEP
PUNTA_ABREOJOS 26.7N 246.4E 1959Z 05 SEP
COLOMBIA BAHIA_SOLANO 6.3N 282.6E 1633Z 05 SEP
TUMACO 1.8N 281.1E 1656Z 05 SEP
BUENAVENTURA 3.8N 282.8E 1657Z 05 SEP
ECUADOR ESMERELDAS 1.2N 280.2E 1650Z 05 SEP
LA_LIBERTAD 2.2S 278.8E 1711Z 05 SEP
BALTRA_IS. 0.5S 269.7E 1721Z 05 SEP
GUATEMALA SIPICATE 13.9N 268.8E 1650Z 05 SEP
PERU TALARA 4.6S 278.5E 1733Z 05 SEP
PIMENTAL 6.9S 280.0E 1842Z 05 SEP
CHIMBOTE 9.0S 281.2E 1900Z 05 SEP
LA_PUNTA 12.1S 282.8E 1903Z 05 SEP
SAN_JUAN 15.3S 284.8E 1921Z 05 SEP
MOLLENDO 17.1S 288.0E 1954Z 05 SEP
CHILE ARICA 18.5S 289.7E 2013Z 05 SEP
IQUIQUE 20.2S 289.9E 2015Z 05 SEP
ANTOFAGASTA 23.3S 289.6E 2028Z 05 SEP

BULLETINS WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.
THE TSUNAMI WARNING AND WATCH WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL
FURTHER NOTICE.

THE WEST COAST/ALASKA TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER WILL ISSUE PRODUCTS
FOR ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...WASHINGTON...OREGON...CALIFORNIA.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I just got a tip that there was a 7.9 earthquake in Costa Rica and a Tsunami alert has been issued. I'm on it now. Confirming. Spread the word. Watch this site.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.