The town of Boquete in Chiriqui is known for its coffee, its natural beauty, the various restaurants and hotels and the high-prized real estate. It’s one of Panama’s main tourism destinations and a known spot where people retire.
It’s also on the edge of the Barú volcano, which is dormant but potentially dangerous, a 2007 report of the US Geological Survey warned:
“Given this history, Volcán Barú likely will erupt again in the near or distant future, following some premonitory period of seismic activity and subtle ground deformation that may last for days or months. Future eruptions will likely be similar to past eruptions—explosive and dangerous to those living on the volcano’s flanks. Outlying towns and cities could endure several years of disruption in the wake of renewed volcanic activity.”
“Explosive and dangerous” eruptions, “several years of disruption” – you would expect that Panama is on top of the situation in terms of monitoring it, right?
Wrong!
La Prensa reports today that the Geological Institute of the University of Panama – in charge of monitoring volcanic and seismic activity – isn’t updating its data, and experts say the monitoring stations are in the wrong places, where heavy traffic and people interfere with readings.
“If people want that data, let them write a letter”, said Eduardo Camacho who heads the institute.
The University and thus the Geological Institute are funded with public money. Taxpayer money. But in our country, ruled and administered entirely by dimwits, dumbfucks and a corrupt rector with a fake doctorate, that doesn’t mean that we get to know what they are doing with that money and if there is any threat coming from that volcano.
Compare that with Costa Rica, where a similar institute constantly updates its website, makes monthly reports available and just simply does its job without anyone having to write a letter.
So, Boquete, enjoy it while it lasts! When that volcano blows you’ll be the last ones to know it, and only when it is too late anyway.
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