On October 12, 2024, a strong M6.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Costa Rica at a shallow depth of 18 km. The quake was felt by around 1.86 million people, with moderate shaking experienced by approximately 69,000 individuals. There is no tsunami threat, and the likelihood of severe casualties or damage is low, though many structures in the area remain vulnerable to seismic shaking.
A significant earthquake, measuring 6.2 in magnitude on the Richter scale, was recorded off the coast of Costa Rica at 17:43 local time (11:43 UTC) on October 12, 2024. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) corroborated these findings with the same magnitude and depth. The earthquake’s epicenter was pinpointed at a location 41.4 kilometers (25.7 miles) northwest of Tamarindo, a town with a population of around 6,375, and approximately 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) west-northwest of Santa Cruz, which houses about 12,281 residents. Additionally, it was located 75.9 kilometers (47.1 miles) west of Liberia, a city with a population of 45,380, in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. The quake was felt by an estimated 69,000 individuals experiencing moderate shaking, while around 1.86 million felt light shaking. Fortunately, there has been no tsunami threat associated with this seismic event. The USGS has issued a Green alert concerning potential fatalities and economic impacts, indicating a low probability of casualties and property damage. It should be noted that many structures in the affected region are vulnerable to seismic activities, primarily due to prevalent construction types such as mud walls and adobe blocks. Past seismic events in this area have left residents at risk for secondary hazards including landslides and ground liquefaction, which may exacerbate losses from such natural disturbances.
This report highlights a recent seismic occurrence in a tectonically active region of Central America. Costa Rica is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for earthquakes and volcanic activity due to the interaction of several tectonic plates. Understanding seismic events in this region is critical for assessing potential impact on the population and infrastructure, particularly given the historical context that illustrates the vulnerability of the local architecture. Measures for earthquake preparedness and response are essential in regions susceptible to such geological events.
In conclusion, the M6.2 earthquake that struck off the coast of Costa Rica on October 12, 2024, was a significant seismic event that was felt by a considerable number of residents, though it carried a low risk of serious casualties or damage according to the USGS. Awareness and preparedness for earthquakes remain vital in this region due to the prevalent risks associated with vulnerable construction types and the history of secondary hazards stemming from seismic activity. Continued monitoring and research into earthquake impacts will contribute to better disaster readiness and response in Costa Rica.
Original Source: watchers.news
