The authorities issued a tsunami warning for inhabitants of Colombia’s Pacific coast after the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan Friday, though no evacuation has been ordered, El Espectador reports.
Authorities have already begun monitoring wave activity in the area and reported an increase of 50cm (1.64 feet) in the waves immediately after the 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan.
The head of the agency for Treatment and Prevention of Disasters told people living on the Pacific coast not to panic but to be cautious, especially fisherman operating in the area. He assured people that should there be any worrying developments, they will be notified immediately to move higher ground.
RCN Radio also confirmed that the National Red Cross will be working with the agency and will be monitoring the situation constantly.
The Colombian Embassy in Japan told Caracol Radio that of the roughly 2,000 Colombians living in the country, none were injured in the earthquake.
At least 32 people have been killed by the disaster in Japan though more deaths are feared as people remain missing.
President Juan Manuel Santos said through his twitter account on Friday morning that Colombia is united with Japan during this time of tradegy and confirmed that the authorities will be reporting any effects on Colombia’s Pacific coast.