The 7.6 magnitude earthquake registered this Friday, October 9, in Panama has raised concerns about the possible tsunami risk on the Pacific coast. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has located the epicenter near the southern tip of the country, approximately 14 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, according to preliminary information released by Associated Press.
The coastal areas near the earthquake's origin require special attention, although the magnitude of the quake alone does not allow for determining where flooding would occur. To know the real risk, it is necessary to consult the bulletins from civil protection authorities and specialized tsunami agencies.
Which areas of Panama may be exposed
The assessment should initially focus on the Pacific coasts near the epicenter, especially low-lying areas, beaches, ports, and river mouths.
The risk is not uniform along the coast. The depth of the water, the shape of the bays, and the orientation of the coast can modify the height and strength of the waves. There is not enough basis to present all the beaches of the Panamanian Pacific as areas under the same evacuation order.
When a tsunami may arrive
Tsunamis originating near the coast can reach land in a few minutes. Additionally, they do not always manifest as a large wave: they can also produce strong currents and abrupt changes in sea level.
In the event of an official alert, authorities recommend moving away from beaches and low coastal areas, heading towards higher ground, and not returning until authorized.
The existence of an alert does not confirm that the tsunami has reached land. Warnings may be modified or canceled as sea level records and the evolution of the phenomenon are analyzed.