(CNN) A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake hit 384 kilometers (238 miles) southwest of the capital, Panama City. There were no immediate reports of damage. Vanessa del Leon, who works at a hotel in David, said she felt the quake, whose epicenter was 110 miles south of the city. "Everyone started screaming. We heard a lot of things breaking and computer keyboards smashing on the floor," she said. "This hotel has eight floors and it swayed like a palm tree." The USGS had said the quake was a magnitude 6.1, but later revised it to 6.0. It hit at 3:19 a.m. local time, according to the USGS.

From USGS: 6.1 Mw - SOUTH OF PANAMA, Preliminary Earthquake Report. Magnitude 6.1 Mw. Date-Time 03:19:16 near epicenter. Location 6.828N 82.281W. Depth 10 km. Distances 179 km (111 miles) S (175 degrees) of David, Panama, 204 km (127 miles) SW (225 degrees) of Santiago, Panama, 248 km (154 miles) WSW (244 degrees) of Las Tablas, Panama, 387 km (240 miles) SW (233 degrees) of PANAMA CITY, Panama Event ID US c00032mv.

Editor's Comment: I slept through it, didn't feel a thing. Some people in Boquete, David, and Bocas del Toro did report having felt the earthquake when it hit.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale occurred at 5:03 am this morning. This is the second in the same general region in two days, after this 4.8 earthquake early yesterday morning. Here are the details from the 4.7 from this morning: Location 4.894N 82.547W, Depth 10 km, Distances - 394 km (245 miles) S (182 degrees) of David, Panama, 400 km (248 miles) SSW (206 degrees) of Santiago, Panama, 411 km (256 miles) SW (218 degrees) of Las Tablas, Panama, 541 km (336 miles) NW (309 degrees) of Tumaco, Colombia, 563 km (350 miles) SW (217 degrees) of PANAMA CITY, Panama. Source: USGS, Event ID US c0002prh. On the map below, the yellow square is the location of yesterday's quake, and the blue one is from this morning.

Copyright 2011 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 - Early this morning at 1:44 am an earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck South of Panama in the Pacific ocean. The epicenter was located at 5.308°N, 82.619°W and a relatively shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The epicenter is located 345 km (214 miles) S of David, Panama, 357 km (221 miles) SSW of Santiago, Panama, 373 km (231 miles) S of Golfito, Costa Rica, and 528 km (328 miles) SW of PANAMA CITY, Panama. Source - USGS NEIC (WDCS-D), Event ID usc0002p5a.

Copyright 2011 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

A POWERFUL 7.4-magnitude earthquake has hit northeastern Japan, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The quake, which hit at 11:32 pm local time, had a magnitude of 7.4, according to the US Geological Survey, which said it struck 66km east of Sendai. Sendai was devastated by the March 11 quake and tsunami. Japan's weather bureau issued a tsunami alert for the Pacific coast, saying that waves of up to two metres could hit the shoreline. In a statement on its website the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said it did not expect a Pacific-wide tsunami. The quake had a depth of 25.6km, the USGS said. Although the epicentre was at a distance of 333km from Tokyo, it caused buildings to shake in the Japanese capital. "Please do not hesitate to leave for higher ground, nor try to return to the coast line. Please do not try to check the status of the coastline," broadcaster NHK said repeatedly.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale occurred yesterday afternoon at 5:18 pm local time. The epicenter was located at in the Western Azuero peninsula near the town of Mariato, at coordinates 7.61 N, 80.89 W, at a depth of 10 km. This earthquake was felt in Santiago, Chitre, Las Tablas, Aguadulce, Penonomé and Arenosa. According to a report on this event issued by the Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama, the earthquake "originated in the Torio-Guanico fault, with left-lateral type of focal mechanism."

Not Being Reported By The USGS: This earthquake is currently not being reported by the US Geological Survey. Right when it happened several members of the community of English speaking expatriates reported having felt the earthquake on the Yahoo Email groups in real time. I did a quick check of the USGS and they were not reporting anything. I started to look at the line-charts from the monitoring stations in Puerto Rico and Colombia but got sidetracked by something else. And the reporting on this earthquake by the Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama was delayed. They eventually got a report on their website, but it went up considerably after the event. When I checked the USGS website again this morning they still are not reporting on this earthquake, and it's not in their database as of yet. I sent them a "WTF" email, so let's see if I get a response.

Copyright 2011 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 - There was a small earthquake last night measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale that occurred in the border region between Panama and Colombia. It happened at 7:27 pm local Panama time with the epicenter located at 7.043N 77.877W and a depth of 24 km. The epicenter is located 154 km (96 miles) S (169 degrees) of La Palma, Panama, 203 km (126 miles) NW (317 degrees) of Quibdo, Colombia, 266 km (166 miles) WNW (289 degrees) of Medellin, Colombia, and 277 km (172 miles) SE (140 degrees) of PANAMA CITY, Panama. Event ID - US c0002g8x. Thankfully, in Panama we frequently have these smaller earthquakes which seem to allow the fault zones in the area to "let off steam" so we tend to avoid the really big shakers.

Copyright 2011 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Panama will conduct a tsunami drill in unspecified areas of Panama City on 23 March 2011 in order to establish the strengths and weaknesses of the security sectors against this phenomenon of nature, an official source said today. "We want to establish the level of preparation of the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and we've been preparing for this drill for a couple of months," said the Director of the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) Arturo Alvarado. The official said the operation will involve 41 entities within the EOC, including the Sinaproc, which coordinates the response by the National Police, Fire Department, Ministry of Security and National Red Cross. "Today we just had a tabletop exercise with the participation of all agencies, which drew attention to aspects such as early warning, evacuation, shelter, trauma care and rescue in confined spaces and collapsed areas," he said. He said the scenarios of the exercises will not be announced because they want to be able to gauge in the field the ability to react to the population.

On the other hand, the director of Sinaproc said Panama will acquire six buoys with gauges that can measure the size, characteristics and evolution of the tides in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that wash its shores. Panama will invest $120,000 in the acquisition of these modern buoys, the source said. According to Alvarado, the single buoy of this nature that exists in Latin America is in Mexico, which is used by countries in the region to declare their orientation and alerts, among other measures. The simulation and the acquisition of the buoys was confirmed last Friday after an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale and a tsunami hit Japan, leaving thousands dead, millions homeless and extensive damage, including a nuclear power plant.

The Sinaproc maintains a preventive surveillance of its territorial sea and today warned the public that next weekend there will be a high tide with waves up to 5.45 meters, and recommended that coastal populations and fishermen should take security measures. (Telemetro)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I keep getting these kinds of reports, all about smaller earthquakes, all occurring in about the same place: "5.5 Mw - GULF OF CALIFORNIA Preliminary Earthquake Report Magnitude 5.5 Mw Date-Time 12 Mar 2011 13:26:02 UTC, 12 Mar 2011 06:26:02 near epicenter, 12 Mar 2011 07:26:02 standard time in your timezone, Location 25.350N 109.930W Depth 17 km" There have been a total of nine similar reports with this one - 5.5 on the Richter scale - the strongest of the bunch so far. Obviously, there's a history of strong and fatal earthquakes in Mexico:

• "The 1985 Mexico City earthquake, a magnitude 8.1 earthquake that struck Mexico on 19 September 1985 in the morning at 7:19 local time, caused the deaths of about 10,000 people and serious damage in the nation's capital. The complete seismic event consisted of four quakes. A pre-event quake of magnitude 5.2 occurred on 28 May 1985. The main and most powerful shock occurred 19 September, followed by two aftershocks: one on 20 September 1985 of magnitude 7.5 and the fourth occurring seven months later on 30 April 1986 of magnitude 7.0. The quakes were located off the Mexican Pacific coast, more than 350 km away, but due to strength of the quake and the fact that Mexico City sits on an old lakebed, Mexico City suffered major damage. The event caused between three and four billion USD in damage as 412 buildings collapsed and another 3,124 were seriously damaged in the city. While the number is in dispute, the most-often cited number of deaths is an estimated 10,000 people.[1]"

Copyright 2011 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 - I subscribe to a notification service provided by the National Earthquake Information Center of the U.S. Geological Survey. I have it set to receive messages about smaller and less intense earthquakes in the US or the Central America region (anything 4.5 or above) and the system also sends me notifications about anything measuring 6.0 or above that occurs anywhere in the world. There were obviously dozens of smaller earthquakes before the massive 8.9 temblor in Japan, and four of those were greater than 6.0 in intensity on the Richter scale. Well, in the last couple of days there has been a significant increase in the number of smaller earthquakes in the "Gulf of California" which is actually in Mexico. I mean, these things have been hitting my cell phone rapid-fire, one after the other - with intensities of 4.7, 5.1, 4.3, 4.5 - and it just "feels" like it did right before the very large earthquake struck Japan.

Earthquakes And Comet C/2010 X1: Comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin) is a long-period comet discovered by Russian astronomer Leonid Elenin on December 10, 2010 at International Scientific Optical Network's robotic observatory near Mayhill, New Mexico, U.S.A. Someone sent me this video, which was posted three days before the massive 8.9 earthquake in Japan - which seems to have actually warned of an increase in seismic activity. Now, in the middle of the video the person who made it gets more than just a little flaky, however you have to wonder if there's anything to it. Like, exactly how much gravitational influence does Comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin) have on a planet such as the earth? Anyway, parts of this video are interesting, and parts make it perfectly clear the person who made it lives in a fantasy world of conspiracy theories. But this kind of looks like a "made for Hollywood" case of some lone nut-job accurately predicting the "big one." Hey, watch the video and decide for yourself. At the very least, it's entertaining...

Copyright 2011 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Punta Mala, Los Santos - Fishing activity along the coast of the Azuero peninsula remains paralyzed after seafarers have decided to suspend their activities after hearing the reports of the earthquake that occurred in Japan. In a visit to various beaches and sectors, such as Punta Mala, Pedasi district, it was found that no one is out fishing, with similar situations being reported in El Arenal and in the districts of Las Tablas, Guararé, Podrí and Tonosí. Domitian Bonilla, who is a fisherman in the area, said the vessels are in port awaiting the recommendations of security officials in the province. For his part, the governor of the province of Los Santos, Carlos Gonzalez said after a meeting with the security sectors in the provinces they will be going to the areas of Pedasi and Tonosí with the aim of being in the area in case any situation occurs. Gonzalez said they have communication with the areas of Isla Cañas, Bucaro, Guanico, Los Bozos and Punta Mala, and they were able to contact the residents and inform them of the security measures that must be followed. (La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Ironically, if you're in a small boat several miles offshore, the tsunami energy would pass underneath your boat and you would hardly notice. However by pulling the boat up on the shore you're putting it right where it will get smashed to bits if a powerful tsunami does hit. What matters, of course, is the safety of the fishermen.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Tsunami Warning Center predict the tsunami generated by the massive 8.9 earthquake that occurred last night near Honshu, Japan will begin to reach the Pacific coast of Panama starting at about 5:48 pm local time. Their warning contains estimated arrival times for other places in Panama, specifically Punta Mala at 6:34 pm, Puerto Piña at 6:44 pm, and Balboa Heights (Panama City) at 8:55 pm. Comparing those times to the Pacific tides for this evening, it's easy to see that the tsunami should strike Panama right as high tide is occurring. This evening high tide occurs at 7:48 pm but at a relatively small 13.35 feet. Here are a few images to help visualize the potential threat. (more)

At 5:54 p.m. it is expected that the wave of the tsunami, caused by the earthquake in Japan of 8.9 degrees, will arrive at Punta Burica, in the province of Chiriqui. This was confirmed to La Prensa by Arturo Alvarado, the Director General of the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), who explained that depending on the magnitude of the wave when it reaches the coast will indicate the degree of damage Panama could suffer. Therefore, the Sinaproc will issue a statement at 6:30 pm, in which they will announce whether they are lifting the green alert or if they will take other decisions. Azuero - Alvarado, without specifying the specific times also explained that the wave would strike Punta Mala, in the province of Los Santos, and Bahia Piña, in the province of the Darién. In Bahia Piña personnel from the National Border Service are monitoring the area and the other two places are being monitored by Sinaproc staff. Alvarado advised people to stay away these sectors and to avoid using small boats. Sinaproc director ruled that the wave would affect Panama City, specifically the coastal strip and Howard. (La Prensa)

PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR TSUNAMI - The Director General of the National System of Civil Protection (SINAPROC) Arturo Alvarado De Icaza recommends that the public should remain calm and recommends the following preventive measures, faced with the possibility of a tsunami in Panama. Recommendations: Before the arrival of the tsunami. After an earthquake in coastal areas, people must move away from the beaches as far as possible and / or be located on high places. We must protect children, the elderly and sick, because they are the least able to run, climb or stand on an object. Do not trust that nothing will happen - it is better to exaggerate your response than to be trapped by the tsunami. Always have on hand your important personal papers, put them in a plastic bag, with handles, to protect them from water and the handles are so you can carry them without occupying your hands. Leave a copy at the home of a relative or acquaintance who you trust. Make a plan with your family members on a specific meeting place and always tell someone where you are and where you are going.

During the tsunami: Run to places away from the coast or high spots in buildings and mountains. Try to hold on to a piece of heavy heavy furniture, a tree trunk, a door or a piece of wood.

After the tsunami: Keep calm as you can. Try to locate your family members and stay with them. Follow all instructions of Civil Protection in your state or country. Do not drink water unless you are sure it is clean and potable. If possible, remove and replace wet clothing. Try to stay dry as you can, to prevent the growth of fungi and other skin diseases. If you are able to help others in your area, do it in coordination with Civil Protection. If you know how, help with rescues and apply first aid to people in need. Help them to be placed in less hazardous sites, only if they can move without much danger. In case you receive aid from the Red Cross and other institutions, respect what is given to each family. (Press Release)

Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 1:06 PM
Subject: FW: Warden Message: Tsunami Alert - March 11, 2011

From: panama-acs@state.gov

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing on the Pacific coast of Panama of a tsunami wave which is anticipated to hit land between 5:48 and 8:55 pm local time on March 11, 2011. A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean near Northeastern Japan at around 2:46 pm JST on March 11, causing damage with blackouts, fire and tsunami. The large earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for countries all around the Pacific Ocean. Panamanian civil defense authorities (SINAPROC) as a precautionary measure are asking small boats to not sail. For additional information, please see the SINAPROC website at http://www.sinaproc.gob.pa/

We advise US citizens to carefully monitor media reports, follow the guidance of Panamanian authorities, stay away from the water line and take necessary action to protect life and property. SINAPROC plans to announce today after 2 pm if it foresees Panama being affected by the tsunami.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ?sea level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated which could cause widespread damage?A tsunami is a series of waves and the first wave may not be the largest. Tsunami wave heights cannot be predicted and can vary significantly along a coast due to local effects. The time from one tsunami wave to the next can be five minutes to an hour, and the threat can continue for many hours as multiple waves arrive. 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.?

NOAA anticipates that the waves will arrive at the following times:

Coordinates GMT Date Local Times
All March 11
PUNTA BURICA 8.0N 277.1E 22:48 GMT 11 MAR 5:48 pm local
PUNTA MALA 7.5N 280.0E 23:34 GMT 11 MAR 6:34 pm local
PUERTO PINA 7.4N 282.0E 23:44 GMT 11 MAR 6:44 pm local
BALBOA HTS. 9.0N 280.4E 01:55 GMT 12 MAR 8:55 pm local

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

In case of an emergency, please contact the U.S. Embassy?s American Citizens Unit at panama-acs@state.gov or call 011 507 207 7000.

WEPA40 PHEB 111938
TSUPAC

TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 016
PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS
ISSUED AT 1938Z 11 MAR 2011

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

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

A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR

JAPAN / RUSSIA / INDONESIA / PAPUA NEW GUINEA /
VANUATU / NIUE / TONGA / MEXICO /
FR. POLYNESIA / PITCAIRN /GUATEMALA / EL SALVADOR /
COSTA RICA / NICARAGUA / ANTARCTICA /
PANAMA / HONDURAS / CHILE / ECUADOR / COLOMBIA / PERU

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 - 0546Z 11 MAR 2011
COORDINATES - 38.3 NORTH 142.4 EAST
DEPTH - 24 KM
LOCATION - NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU JAPAN
MAGNITUDE - 8.9

MEASUREMENTS OR REPORTS OF TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY

GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
------------------- ----- ------ ----- --------------- -----
SUBIC BAY PH 14.8N 120.3E 1517Z 0.07M / 0.2FT 54MIN
HONIARA SB 9.4S 160.0E 1436Z 0.26M / 0.8FT 50MIN
NUKU HIVA MARQUESAS 8.9S 140.1W 1824Z 1.48M / 4.8FT 14MIN
NUKUALOFA TO 21.1S 175.2W 1751Z 0.37M / 1.2FT 30MIN
RAROTONGA CK 21.2S 159.8W 1813Z 0.29M / 1.0FT 08MIN
WINTER HARBOUR BC 50.7N 128.3W 1505Z 0.47M / 1.5FT 30MIN
FISHING ROCK RAOUL 29.3S 177.9W 1733Z 0.09M / 0.3FT 20MIN
PAPEETE TAHITI 17.5S 149.6W 1732Z 0.17M / 0.6FT 22MIN
PORT SAN LUIS CA 35.2N 120.8W 1654Z 1.88M / 6.2FT 22MIN
CRESCENT CITY CA 41.7N 124.2W 1657Z 2.02M / 6.6FT 20MIN
VANUATU 17.8S 168.3E 1542Z 0.69M / 2.3FT 22MIN
LUGANVILLE VU 15.5S 167.2E 1537Z 0.54M / 1.8FT 54MIN
LAUTOKA FJ 17.6S 177.4E 1545Z 0.33M / 1.1FT 76MIN
CHARLESTON OR 43.3N 124.3W 1545Z 0.49M / 1.6FT 24MIN
NORTH SPIT HUMBOLDT 40.8N 124.2W 1553Z 0.54M / 1.8FT 26MIN
KAUMALAPAU HAWAII 20.8N 156.9W 1531Z 0.91M / 3.0FT 06MIN
LOMBRUM MANUS IS PG 2.0S 147.4E 1529Z 1.04M / 3.4FT 62MIN
PAGO PAGO AS 14.3S 170.7W 1556Z 0.34M / 1.1FT 16MIN
ARENA COVE CA 38.9N 123.7W 1540Z 0.82M / 2.7FT 22MIN
PORT ORFORD OR 42.7N 124.5W 1534Z 0.52M / 1.7FT 16MIN
MANUS PG 2.0S 147.4E 1425Z 0.93M / 3.1FT 34MIN
HONOLULU OAHU 21.3N 157.9W 1410Z 0.71M / 2.3FT 32MIN
KANTON KI 2.8S 171.7W 1425Z 0.05M / 0.2FT 10MIN
CHRISTMAS KI 2.0N 157.5W 1447Z 0.56M / 1.9FT 52MIN
KAWAIHAE HAWAII 20.0N 155.8W 1413Z 1.22M / 4.0FT 14MIN
HILO HAWAII 19.7N 155.1W 1409Z 1.41M / 4.6FT 36MIN
BETIO TARAWA KI 1.4N 172.9E 1225Z 0.21M / 0.7FT 24MIN
NAURU 0.5S 166.9E 1156Z 0.20M / 0.7FT 24MIN
NAWILIWILI KAUAI 22.0N 159.4W 1343Z 0.76M / 2.5FT 12MIN
DART 51407 19.6N 156.5W 1337Z 0.15M / 0.5FT 14MIN
KAHULUI MAUI 20.9N 156.5W 1327Z 1.74M / 5.7FT 52MIN
BARBERS PT HI 21.3N 158.1W 1308Z 0.70M / 2.3FT 64MIN
TERN FR. FRIGATE US 23.9N 166.3W 1224Z 0.38M / 1.2FT 16MIN
JOHNSTON US 16.7N 169.5W 1206Z 0.20M / 0.7FT 72MIN
DART 52402 11.7N 154.2E 0931Z 0.29M / 0.9FT 22MIN
DART 46403 52.7N 156.9W 1127Z 0.09M / 0.3FT 60MIN
LEGASPI PH 13.1N 123.8E 1116Z 0.25M / 0.8FT 58MIN
KWAJALEIN MH 8.7N 167.7E 1111Z 0.55M / 1.8FT 48MIN
NIKOLSKI AK 52.9N 168.9W 1109Z 0.27M / 0.9FT 64MIN
HANASAKI HOKKAIDO J 43.3N 145.6E 0656Z 1.83M / 6.0FT 24MIN
MIDWAY 28.2N 177.4W 1048Z 1.27M / 4.2FT 12MIN
TOSASHIMIZU SHIKOKU 32.8N 133.0E 0946Z 0.84M / 2.8FT 28MIN
ADAK AK 51.9N 176.6W 1034Z 0.35M / 1.2FT 22MIN
YAP FM 9.5N 138.1E 1013Z 0.15M / 0.5FT 88MIN
DART 21415 50.2N 171.8E 0845Z 0.27M / 0.9FT 52MIN
WAKE US 19.3N 166.6E 0928Z 0.39M / 1.3FT 14MIN
NAHA OKINAWA JP 26.2N 127.7E 0901Z 0.25M / 0.8FT 60MIN
SAIPAN US 15.2N 145.7E 0916Z 0.65M / 2.1FT 30MIN
OMAEZAKI HONSHU JP 34.6N 138.2E 0818Z 1.42M / 4.6FT 56MIN
DART 21419 44.5N 155.7E 0716Z 0.40M / 1.3FT 20MIN
DART 21413 30.5N 152.1E 0659Z 0.76M / 2.5FT 32MIN
DART 21401 42.6N 152.6E 0643Z 0.67M / 2.2FT 40MIN
DART 21418 38.7N 148.7E 0619Z 1.08M / 3.5FT 06MIN

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.

NOTE - DART MEASUREMENTS ARE FROM THE DEEP OCEAN AND THEY
ARE GENERALLY MUCH SMALLER THAN WOULD BE COASTAL
MEASUREMENTS AT SIMILAR LOCATIONS.

EVALUATION

SEA LEVEL READINGS CONFIRM THAT A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED
WHICH COULD CAUSE WIDESPREAD DAMAGE. AUTHORITIES SHOULD TAKE
APPROPRIATE ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS THREAT. THIS CENTER WILL
CONTINUE TO MONITOR SEA LEVEL DATA TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT AND
SEVERITY OF THE THREAT.

A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF WAVES AND THE FIRST WAVE MAY NOT BE THE
LARGEST. TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND CAN VARY
SIGNIFICANTLY ALONG A COAST DUE TO LOCAL EFFECTS. THE TIME FROM
ONE TSUNAMI WAVE TO THE NEXT CAN BE FIVE MINUTES TO AN HOUR, AND
THE THREAT CAN CONTINUE FOR MANY HOURS AS MULTIPLE WAVES ARRIVE.

FOR ALL 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.

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

THE JAPAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY MAY ALSO ISSUE TSUNAMI MESSAGES
FOR THIS EVENT TO COUNTRIES IN THE NORTHWEST PACIFIC AND SOUTH
CHINA SEA REGION. IN CASE OF CONFLICTING INFORMATION... THE
MORE CONSERVATIVE INFORMATION SHOULD BE USED FOR SAFETY.

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

(Xinhua) An earthquake measuring 6.2 degrees at Richter scale on Wednesday shook the border between Panama and Colombia, the Geosciences Institute of Panama's University said. The earthquake had its epicenter in the Colombian northern coast and it was registered at 1:50 p.m. local time (1850 GMT), with a depth of 35 kilometers. According to the institute, the earthquake did not cause any casualties or material damages. Director of the Civil Protection National System Arturo Alvarado said that the earthquake was felt from Darien province in Panama to Chorrera district in the west zone of Panama City. On Monday, an earthquake of magnitude-4.5 struck Bocas del Toro province in the northwest of Panama, without report of any casualties or damages. The Panamanian authorities have suggested that people take necessary precaution for more earthquakes.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale struck the border region between Panama and Colombia at 1:50 pm local Panama time this afternoon. The epicenter was located at coordinates 8.559N 76.905W at a depth of 39 km. Distances are 113 km (70 miles) W (259 degrees) of Monteria, Colombia; 138 km (86 miles) E (83 degrees) of La Palma, Panama; 186 km (115 miles) WSW (244 degrees) of Sincelejo, Colombia; and 288 km (179 miles) E (98 degrees) of PANAMA CITY, Panama. Here's a link to the event page at the US Geological Survey.

Copyright 2011 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 - I felt that little earthquake that happened at 1:05 am local. Rex the Wonder Dog woke me up whining for no apparent reason, which is strange because he's a Beagle, a breed which is famous for not making any sound unless they have something important to say (he's not a "yapper.") Anyway, I told him to shut up and go back to sleep. Then about twenty seconds later the bed was swaying laterally (side to side). It only lasted for a few seconds. At first I actually Rex was leaning against the bed and scratching himself and causing it to move. When I saw he was on the other side of the room, that's when I realized the movement must have been caused by a small earthquake. I checked the USGS, and sure as hell, there was a 4.6 epicenter 50 miles north of Panama City at 1:05. There was actually another one a few hours earlier in the same place that I didn't feel.

4.6 Mb - PANAMA - Preliminary Earthquake Report. Magnitude 4.6 Mb, Date-Time 9 Feb 2011 06:05:01 UTC, 9 Feb 2011 01:05:01 near epicenter. Location 9.663N 79.622W. Depth 39 km. Distances • 46 km (29 miles) NE (41 degrees) of Colon, Panama, 80 km (50 miles) N (350 degrees) of PANAMA CITY, Panama, 214 km (133 miles) NW (311 degrees) of La Palma, Panama.

4.1 Mb - PANAMA - Preliminary Earthquake Report. Magnitude 4.1 Mb, Date-Time 9 Feb 2011 03:10:32 UTC, 8 Feb 2011 22:10:32 near epicenter. Location 9.641N 79.562W, Depth 32 km, Distances 49 km (31 miles) NE (49 degrees) of Colon, Panama, 77 km (48 miles) N (355 degrees) of PANAMA CITY, Panama, 208 km (129 miles) NW (312 degrees) of La Palma, Panama.

Copyright 2011 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 - Last night just before midnight there was a minor earthquake near the Panama - Costa Rica border region measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale. It happened at 11:46 pm, located at coordinates 8.586N 82.742W at a depth of 33 km - 38 km (24 miles) WNW (297 degrees) of David, Panama, 99 km (62 miles) SSW (213 degrees) of Bocas del Toro, Panama, 160 km (100 miles) S (169 degrees) of Limon, Costa Rica, 213 km (132 miles) SE (137 degrees) of SAN JOSE, Costa Rica. These "little" earthquakes are common in this area, and they never cause any damage or injuries.

Copyright 2011 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

An earthquake of 4.4 magnitude on the Richter scale was recorded this afternoon in the highlands of Chiriqui, as reported by the Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama on its website. The institution reported that the earthquake occurred at 4:13 pm and was centered in the Valley of Hornito. The places near the epicenter of the quake were: Fortuna, Gualaca and Boquete, said the Institute of Geosciences. There are no reports of damage, but the movement itself was felt by the population, according to reports from the firefighters of the city of David. (La Prensa)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - First message from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center:

• TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 001
  
• PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS
  
• ISSUED AT 1625Z 13 JAN 2011
  
  
• THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO AREAS WITHIN AND BORDERING THE PACIFIC OCEAN AND ADJACENT SEAS...EXCEPT ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA... WASHINGTON...OREGON AND CALIFORNIA.
  
  
• ... TSUNAMI INFORMATION BULLETIN ...
  
  
• THIS BULLETIN IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
  
  
• 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 - 1617Z 13 JAN 2011
  
• COORDINATES - 20.7 SOUTH 168.7 EAST
  
• DEPTH - 33 KM
  
• LOCATION - LOYALTY ISLANDS
  
• MAGNITUDE - 7.3
  
  
  
• EVALUATION - NO DESTRUCTIVE WIDESPREAD TSUNAMI THREAT EXISTS BASED ON HISTORICAL EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI DATA. HOWEVER - EARTHQUAKES OF THIS SIZE SOMETIMES GENERATE LOCAL TSUNAMIS THAT CAN BE DESTRUCTIVE ALONG COASTS LOCATED WITHIN A HUNDRED KILOMETERS OF THE EARTHQUAKE EPICENTER. AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION OF THE EPICENTER SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS POSSIBILITY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
  
• THIS WILL BE THE ONLY 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. ...SP...

That's a Wrap: Unless there's something new, that's the end of this from a tsunami point of view.

Copyright 2011 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 - A strong 7.3 earthquake occurred this morning;

• To: U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and British Columbia coastal regions
  
• From: NOAA/NWS/West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
  
• Subject: Tsunami Information Statement #1 issued 01/13/2011 at 8:27AM PST
  
  
• A strong earthquake has occurred, but a tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, or Alaska coast. NO tsunami warning, watch or advisory is in effect for these areas.
  
  
• Based on the earthquake magnitude, location and historic tsunami records, a damaging tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska coasts. At coastal locations which have experienced strong ground shaking, local tsunamis are possible due to underwater landslides.
  
  
• At 8:17 AM Pacific Standard Time on January 13, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 7.3 occurred near the Loyalty Islands . (Refer to the United States Geological Survey for official earthquake parameters.)
  
  
• Pacific coastal regions outside California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska should refer to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center messages for information on the event.
  
  
• This will be the only statement issued for this event by the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center unless conditions warrant. See the WCATWC web site for basic tsunami information, safety rules, and a tsunami travel time map and table. (NOTE: Travel time maps and tables indicate forecasted times only, not that a wave was generated.)

That's All I Got Right Now: According to NOAA, they don't expect this earthquake to generate a destructive tsunami in the Pacific. Thanks to Russ for the heads up.

Copyright 2011 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By Andy Coghlan for NewScientist.com - The Panama canal is at greater risk of a catastrophic earthquake than previously assumed, a seismological survey of faults around the canal has warned. It reveals that two known faults adjacent to the canal are far more active than previously thought, raising the possibility of a major quake just as the canal is being widened and upgraded in a project due for completion in 2014. The authors of the survey estimate that quakes occur every 300 to 900 years. The most recent one was in 1621, so another could happen at any time. Along both faults, surfaces normally rub harmlessly past one another at a rate of around half a centimetre a year. But stresses can build up, causing the faults to jump suddenly, say the authors of the survey. The question is by how much. (more)

An earthquake of 5.7 degrees on Richter scale occurred in Bocas del Toro causing no damage or casualties, according to the National Civil Protection System. Gladys Concepcion, of the SINAPROC office in Bocas del Toro, revealed the quake was also felt in the mountainous area of Teribe, but no damage was reported. Leonardo Machuca, a correspondent for TVN in Bocas del Toro, stated this is the second tremor in Bocas del Toro so far this month and the twelfth so far this year. (TVN Noticias)

Editor's Comment: That's strange. This earthquake is not being reported by the US Geological Survey or Panama's Instituto de Geociencias. I submitted a copy of the TVN news report to the USGS, asking them to confirm. Did any of you guys up there in Bocas feel this one?

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Last night at 10:26 pm local time, an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale shook Costa Rica, and the tremors were felt in Panama's Western most province of Chiriqui. The epicenter of the quake was located near Costa Rica's Pacific shoreline, just South of the capital city of San Jose, at coordinates 9.350°N, 84.281°W and a depth of 29.3 km (18.2 miles). The epicenter of this quake was located very close to another earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale which also hit Costa Rica just last week, on Thursday, 20 May 2010. Officials from the Geo Sciences Institute of the University of Panama confirmed the details of the quake, and representatives from Panama's National Civil Protection System said there were no reports of deaths, injuries, or material damage. Smaller earthquakes such as this are common in Panama, and are most frequently felt in the province of Chiriqui, near the border with Costa Rica, the area of Panama which is the most seismically active. They are considered to be "good" earthquakes in that they allow for the gradual and nondestructive release of energy over time, rather than allowing for the pressures and subterranean stresses to build and then release all at once in a massive and destructive earthquake.

Copyright 2009 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 5.9 on the Richter scale struck Costa Rica yesterday afternoon at 5:16 pm local time. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 9.227°N, 84.318°W at a depth of 21 km, in Costa Rica. Although the epicenter was quite some distance away from Panama, a few residents in Panama's Western most province of Chiriqui felt the tremor. There were no reports of deaths, injuries, or significant property damage. These small tremors occur frequently in this area and they seem to be a "good" thing, in that they apparently allow for the regular release of pressure over time, rather than letting it build up for decades and then letting go in one massive and devastating earthquake. Take a look at this historical plotting from the US Geological Survey of all earthquakes in this region since 1990 - the small dots indicated small quakes (there was nothing greater than a 6) with the gold and yellow more shallow, and the greens and blues at deeper depths. There have literally been hundreds of these "routine" quakes, which people have basically learned to ignore. The star indicates the location of yesterday's quake. Can you find it? (Where's Waldo?)

Copyright 2010 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 - According to Panama's Geosciences Institute of the University of Panama, an earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale struck the province of Bocas del Toro this morning, Thursday, 13 May 2010, at 4:48 am. The epicenter of the quake was located at coordinates 9.240N, 82.697W with a depth of 12.9 nautical miles. This earthquake was felt by some people in the province of Bocas del Toro, and there are no reports of damage or injuries. These types of minor earthquakes occur frequently in Panama, but very strong and destructive earthquakes are relatively rare.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Recent earthquakes in other countries put on alert to Panama, and governmental authorities announced immediate action to improve the country's ability to respond. Following a meeting at the headquarters of the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC), headed by its Director Arturo Alvarado, in which also participated the Minister of the Presidency, Jimmy Papadimitriu, among other authorities, a training program for local governments was established. Alvarado explained Panama should improve its readiness, because earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted, which makes it necessary to verify both government and private infrastructure. They will also conduct inspections to unsure those skyscrapers under construction are prepared to resist a natural event of this magnitude. In the meeting it was established to give $20 million dollars to the Fire Department, for the purchase of equipment, and to improve education and training so they will be better prepared to react to any natural event. The training will begin in communities, schools and universities. In addition, the government will begin an evaluation of each of its buildings, and will request the Municipal government to stringently enforce requirements for the issuance of building permits. (Source - TVN Noticias)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - According to a report from the US Geological Survey, a moderate earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter Scale struck Panama yesterday evening at 6:09 pm local. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the border region between Panama and Costa Rica at a depth of 35 kilometers. Reference distances are - 25 miles ENE of Golfito, Costa Rica, and 35 miles NW of David, Panama. This area sees frequent small earthquakes similar to this one. There were no reports of damage or injuries, and most people didn't even notice. USGS Event ID - us2010swew.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Panama is preparing to send a group of Search and Rescue experts to Chile to assist in rescue efforts there, following the massive earthquake that struck the South American country on Saturday, official sources said today. The director of the National System of Civil Protection (SINAPROC), Arturo Alvarado, said the mission would consist of 15 rescue workers, four canine units and a paramedic, who would travel to Chile sometime either today or tomorrow on a commercial flight. The rescuers will bring with them specialized equipment to enter buildings and collapsed structures, such as drills, concrete saws and cameras they can deploy to be able to see inside to find trapped victims. Some of the members of this team deploying to Chile recently went to Haiti to provide support there after the 12 January earthquake there. Alvarado said the Search and Rescue (SAR) team is being deployed to Chile in response to an instruction given by the Ministry of Foreign Relations. The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Priscilla de Miro, reiterated today to the government and the people of Chile the support and solidarity of the Panamanian people, after having met with Chile's ambassador to Panama, Juan de Dios Gutierrez. The Chancellery of the Republic will coordinate the support being provided to the Chilean people with the SINAPROC and with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations in Panama (OCHA), according to a press release. (Source: Dia a Dia)