Japan to help Nicaragua open tsunami warning center

Japan will help Nicaragua open a tsunami early warning center this year that would serve all of Central America, an official said Tuesday.

The center would provide real-time earthquake and tsunami information for all countries in Central America, according to Wilfried Strauch of the Nicaraguan Seismological Office, Ineter.

Nicaragua asked Tokyo for the assistance, he said, "because they have so much experience with the issue, and an excellent tsunami warning system." 

Hirohito Takata of the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Ineter chief Jose Blanco signed an agreement at a ceremony in Managua. 

Under the plan, Japan would provide technical aid, some equipment and train local technicians who will work at the facility.