Latin America in the face of the earthquake in Russia and the tsunami warning
Latin America maintained active surveillance following the earthquake in Russia; without mass evacuations, but with protocols and alerts in place.
Photo of TM in Unsplash
This Tuesday, the Kamchatka Peninsula, in Russia's far east, was shaken by a strong earthquake, triggering a tsunami warning for the entire Pacific region. The earthquake hit Russian coasts with waves of up to five meters, prompting preventive evacuations in countries such as Japan, the United States, French Polynesia, Chile, and New Zealand. However, in this article, you will learn about the preventive measures Latin America has taken in response to this new tsunami warning.
Latin America
Early Warning Systems have been key to preparedness and response to phenomena such as tsunamis. Through regional networks, evacuation protocols, and constant monitoring, several coastal countries have strengthened their capacities to respond quickly to emergencies such as the one recently recorded in the Pacific.
Mexico
The Mexican Navy warned of possible waves of 30 to 100 cm along the Pacific coast, from Baja California to Chiapas. Although no mass evacuations were reported, authorities maintained constant surveillance.
Ecuador
Precautionary evacuations of beaches, docks, and low-lying coastal areas in the Galapagos Islands were ordered following the tsunami warning. Maritime activities were also suspended as a precautionary measure.
Central America
In Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, there is a regional working group for tsunami warning and mitigation (IGC/PTWS–UNESCO), with evacuation maps, drills, and local training for vulnerable communities.
Colombia
Colombia, with coast on the South Pacific in departments such as Nariño, Cauca, Chocó and Valle del Cauca, activated preventive surveillance through the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) and the General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR), although no mass evacuations or alerts were issued.
Colombia is part of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) monitoring network and participates in exercises such as CARIBE WAVE and PACIFIC WAVE, which train coastal authorities and communities.
Ecuador
Precautionary evacuations were ordered in the Galapagos Islands due to risk of waves up to 1.5 m. Fishing and maritime activities were suspended. Authorities also monitored the situation in real time through the Naval Oceanographic Institute (INOCAR).
Peru
The Peruvian Navy's Hydrography and Navigation Directorate activated its surveillance systems. Although no evacuations were issued, Alerts were reinforced in Callao, Lima, Arequipa and Tumbes.
COEN and Civil Defense published preventive recommendations for coastal communities.
Chili
The SHOA (Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy) monitored the event, but did not issue an evacuation alarm due to the distance and lower expected impact. Chile has one of the most advanced systems since the 2010 earthquake: evacuation maps, mass drills, school education, and mobile alerts (SAE).
Panama
Although with a smaller Pacific coastline, the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) maintained ocean surveillance and communication with the PTWC. No evacuations have been issued so far, but caution is advised for vessels.
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