Panamas civil protection agency on standby after tsunami warning

Panama’s National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) is monitoring the tsunami situation after a Pacific wide  warning  after the biggest earthquake ever recorded in Japan.

Security teams across the country were called in and the Emergency Operations Center activate  when the  tsunami warning included Panama, Central America, Mexico and parts of South America including Chile.

President Ricardo Martinelli called on Panamanians to stay "calm and tranquil"

Early reports indicated that the effect on Panama would not be significant, producing large waves in the Chiriqui region. 

Xavier Castillo, head of operations Sinaproc said  the agency expected a report at 2 p.m. confirming the movement of the tsunami, and the public would be immediately informed.