Thread: Earthquake panama city ?

I came across an interesting article that claims that Central America amongst other places will be suffering major earthquakes like Japan, Christchurch, and Pakistan. It is worthwhile for people to stop and ponder what they will do if one hits Panama city. What would the emergency response be from a country that can't make car tags or pick up the garbage. How will those hastily built highrises stand up? It would be prudent to store extra food and water and review the escape routes from your building if you live in the city.
EARTHQUAKE WARNING FROM RUSSIAN INSTITUTE of PHYSICS of the EARTH | Real News Reporter

Originally Posted by fleeted

I came across an interesting article that claims that Central America amongst other places will be suffering major earthquakes like Japan, Christchurch, and Pakistan. It is worthwhile for people to stop and ponder what they will do if one hits Panama city. What would the emergency response be from a country that can't make car tags or pick up the garbage. How will those hastily built highrises stand up? It would be prudent to store extra food and water and review the escape routes from your building if you live in the city.
EARTHQUAKE WARNING FROM RUSSIAN INSTITUTE of PHYSICS of the EARTH | Real News Reporter

They wont stand up! Panama is, or at least has been so far, a earthquake-free country, so i bet that nobody has been building buildings to withstand earthquakes. It will be a giant domino here if one hits lol and extra food and water wont be needed then i think..

but before i would worry about earthquakes i would worry about a fire in a hirise , that is why i would think a hobby like base jumping might be worth while . and panama is hit with many earthquakes every year , they are mostly up near the CR border , and they are small , which is good as it lets the pressure off before it turns into a big one

Originally Posted by janl

They wont stand up! Panama is, or at least has been so far, a earthquake-free country, so i bet that nobody has been building buildings to withstand earthquakes. It will be a giant domino here if one hits lol and extra food and water wont be needed then i think..

Panama has been far from an Earthquake free country. There is a real and persistent threat, including a Tsunami for low lying Panama City. A recent study commissioned by Canal Authority revealed results everyone who lives or is thinking about living in Panama city should consider. Not only were the fault lines found to be active but a large quake could shut down the canal for 10 years. According to this report the Canal Authority is redesigning the locks based upon these new findings.
Earthquakes Threaten Panama Canal and City : Discovery News
Something to consider is how you will get out of the TOC short of base jumping as Nakedguy pointed out.

Good question. We had a small earthquake near Las Tablas and then I researched online and found that there are quite a few in the area. Hopefully nothing big will come through in our area.

Originally Posted by PanamaRuss

Good question. We had a small earthquake near Las Tablas and then I researched online and found that there are quite a few in the area. Hopefully nothing big will come through in our area.

If you read the above reports you will see that the rigid block homes many Panamanians live in are at an increased risk of collapse. The question is what level of quake takes them out? 6.5 ,7.2 ? I would much rather be in your area than Panama City when the SHTF.

Just saw a news report where a commentator was stating how there has not been a single reported act of looting in all of Japan. They showed the Japanese people patiently waiting in line for assisitance and relief supplies. What a dignified and disciplined people. Contrast that with Katrina or if the lights went out in Detroit. In Panama city during such as disaster what would happen as Chorillo's residents poured into the streets? The Japanese are an example to us all during tough times.

Originally Posted by fleeted

Just saw a news report where a commentator was stating how there has not been a single reported act of looting in all of Japan. They showed the Japanese people patiently waiting in line for assisitance and relief supplies. What a dignified and disciplined people. Contrast that with Katrina or if the lights went out in Detroit. In Panama city during such as disaster what would happen as Chorillo's residents poured into the streets? The Japanese are an example to us all during tough times.

Amen!

I am full of admiration for the Japanese people. Let's hope they can be on the road to recovery soon.

Originally Posted by fleeted

Just saw a news report where a commentator was stating how there has not been a single reported act of looting in all of Japan. They showed the Japanese people patiently waiting in line for assisitance and relief supplies. What a dignified and disciplined people. Contrast that with Katrina or if the lights went out in Detroit. In Panama city during such as disaster what would happen as Chorillo's residents poured into the streets? The Japanese are an example to us all during tough times.

The Detroit/Chorillo example is one reason I am planning on bringing as many of my firearms/ammo as I can - and we plan on living in El Valle!

Originally Posted by TennVol

The Detroit/Chorillo example is one reason I am planning on bringing as many of my firearms/ammo as I can - and we plan on living in El Valle!

I'm accustomed to having firearms around too but would be surprised to learn that bringing them to Panama is possible. Is it?

Originally Posted by BalaBeacher

I'm accustomed to having firearms around too but would be surprised to learn that bringing them to Panama is possible. Is it?

I've been in contact with one of the members on this board and he assures me it is possible. The only caveat is you can't import any military style weapons (AK, AR, SKS, M1A, etc.). Obviously, I plan on doing more detailed research prior to us moving back to Panama. I also imagine having a well-connected attorney would be of great help also!

Originally Posted by TennVol

I've been in contact with one of the members on this board and he assures me it is possible. The only caveat is you can't import any military style weapons (AK, AR, SKS, M1A, etc.). Obviously, I plan on doing more detailed research prior to us moving back to Panama. I also imagine having a well-connected attorney would be of great help also!

If you wish to share down the road, please start a new thread so I don't miss the discussion. No worries on the military weapons; I think I'd be happy with my Glock.

and they are expensive here , 3 times the price , so consider that when they hit you with big import tax , for example a 400 gun in the states is 1200 here , 400 to buy , 400 tax and 400 dealer profit , so when customs asks you to bend over , just smile .

My contact for moving household good told me bringing all my guns is no problem. He has "contacts". He said you pull the bolts or disassemble them and bring them in a "Special way". When the time comes I will be asking more questions a I don't want them disappearing or being confiscated. As corrupt as Panama is I am sure some money in the right pocket and all doors will open. Living in El Valle is a nice choice and should insulate you from problems that arise in the city.

Originally Posted by nakedguydb

and they are expensive here , 3 times the price , so consider that when they hit you with big import tax , for example a 400 gun in the states is 1200 here , 400 to buy , 400 tax and 400 dealer profit , so when customs asks you to bend over , just smile .

I don't believe an import tax will apply in my situation. I plan on having my pensionado visa in-hand prior to our move. If that gets delayed, my wife is a Panamanian citizen and she can import everything we (she) owns duty free.

It appears the Panama govt has been reading our thread LOL. They are studying the possible effects of a tsunamai on Panama city and putting in an early warning system.
Panama Will Hold A Tsunami Simulation Exercise on 23 March - Panama Guide