On Saturday, October 12, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, causing buildings in the area to shake, according to a report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). However, no reports of damage or injuries have been received so far.
The USGS reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was located in an area about 26 miles (41 kilometers) northwest of the coastal town of Tamarindo, with a relatively shallow depth of 11 miles (18 kilometers).
Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) stated that they have not received any damage reports related to the earthquake, but some local residents were frightened by the event.
According to Reuters, Lidiette Vasquez, a resident of Playa Potrero located not far north of Tamarindo, described the earthquake as “really strong. My house has two floors, and the sound was very loud. We were really scared.”
She added that there have been several tremors in the area since Friday, but none have caused any damage.
As a Central American country along the Pacific coast, Costa Rica is located in a seismically active zone where tectonic plates meet, making it prone to earthquakes.
In September 2012, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the tourist area of Costa Rica, causing collapses and damage to buildings, as well as triggering a brief tsunami warning. At least 2 people were reported dead.
In 1991, the country experienced another strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake, which resulted in the deaths of 47 people.