Central America monitors for possible tsunami arrival after earthquake in Kamchatka

Panama City, July 30 (EFE) - Central American authorities are maintaining a surveillance alert for the possible arrival of waves between 30 centimeters and one meter high, following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake recorded on Tuesday in the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka, in the North Pacific, according to the Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama (IGC). In a joint statement with the National Civil Protection System, the IGC indicated that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued messages to national tsunami warning centers, including Panama, following the seismic event. According to current mathematical models, the tsunami evacuation alert applies only to the coasts of the western United States, Japan, and the Hawaiian Islands. For the rest of the countries in Central America and some in South America, surveillance is maintained in the face of the possible arrival of waves between 30 centimeters and one meter high. The IGC indicated that, due to the characteristics and magnitude of the earthquake, a significant impact on the Panamanian coasts is not expected, although anomalous waves are expected. These waves are estimated to arrive in the country in the early hours of Thursday, without being considered destructive, since their height would not exceed one meter, according to current models. The Meteorology and Hydrology Institute of Panama (IMHPA) reported that a high tide was recorded around 7:37 local time (12:37 GMT) this Wednesday, with a height of 4.5 meters and waves from one meter, in addition to forecasts of light rain in the coastal areas of the provinces of Coclé, Herrera and Los Santos.