Thread: Worst Earthquake Ever?

Originally Posted by nakedguydb

you can only make things so strong with chinese steel and beach sand , plus the fire depts in most countries can not reach up very high , but base jumping is always a option if you live in the clouds .

Yep I agree on the construction! What should worry people the most is the lack of response after a major quake. Panama is ill equipped to handle the carnage. The major medical centers will be right in the thick of it and may or may not still be functioning, that is if you can reach them. It took Panama months to figure out how to pickup the trash and many people have been weeks without water due to the rain. Efficiency, prior planning or implementation is not their strong point. In the city look for the less desirables to flood out of areas like Chorrillo and take advantage of the situation. Prior to moving to Panama or any third world country all of this should be considered.

That's cool!

Most earthquakes in Panama occur in the western part of the country close to Costa Rica. If I recall correctly Panama city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1621 though but since then had hardly any troubles.
The Americans were planning first to build the Canal in Nicaragua but due to the efforts of Philip Buneau Varilla they decided to build the Canal in Panama. What he did was when it came to vote in Congress to get as many postage stamps he could get of Nicaragua and sent them on envelopes to the congressmen. His argument was that the pride of that country was a volcano which was printed on the stamp and where you have volcanoes you also have earthquakes. The earlier mentioned arch was the proof to it.

Interesting history, thanks! I would not worry about an earthquake or subsequent tsunami in Panama. The strong infrastructure, dependable building codes and rapid response of the well trained and equipped emergency personnel make such an event a non issue. I am sure the people of Panama city would pull together and help one another, unlike Haiti or New Orleans where they preyed on each other. All this nonsense about an Earthquake has got to stop there are lots of condos that need to be sold!!!!