In general, it is far more likely that a tsunami will strike the Pacific coast. The real
problem is if there is not enough warning to clear the Panama Canal. One or more
large Panamax ships sunk in or around the Canal would really be a financial
disaster for Panama and a logistical disaster for over sixty countries. We simulated
several types of ships: a ship full of empty containers [presumably westbound to
Asia] is often the easiest clean up. Recovering from the sinking of a bulk carrier
depends on cargo, as would the sinking of a ship carrying thousands of full
containers. Losing a loaded crude carrier or an LNG tanker runs a high risk of
explosion.
The United States railroad system is already strained, so re-routing ships to Los
Angeles / Long Beach would stress an already over-crowded port and flood trucks
and trains. That is, of course, if southern California ports were undamaged.
In the meantime, our modeling software is complaining that the data shows no
tsunamis. Stay tuned.