Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake Strikes Off Costa Rica Coast, Moderate Shaking Reported
On October 12, 2024, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Costa Rica at a depth of 18 km, with significant shaking felt by approximately 1.9 million individuals. No tsunami threat has been reported, although the region’s vulnerable structures may heighten the risk of damage.
A significant and shallow earthquake registering at magnitude 6.2 occurred off the coast of Costa Rica on October 12, 2024, at 17:43 local time (11:43 UTC). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported the earthquake’s depth at 18 kilometers (approximately 11.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) corroborated these findings, indicating the same magnitude and depth for the seismic event. The epicenter was identified to be approximately 41.4 kilometers (25.7 miles) northwest of Tamarindo, which houses a population of approximately 6,375. It was also located 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) west-northwest of Santa Cruz, home to around 12,281 residents, and 75.9 kilometers (47.1 miles) west of Liberia, which has a greater population of 45,380, all situated within Guanacaste Province. An estimated 69,000 individuals experienced moderate shaking from the quake, while about 1,856,000 reported light shaking. Fortunately, the USGS stated that there is no threat of a tsunami following this seismic event. The agency has issued a Green alert concerning the potential for shaking-related fatalities and economic damages, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or extensive damage. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the majority of buildings in the region are vulnerable to seismic activity, particularly those constructed from mud walls and adobe blocks, although there are also some structures built to be earthquake-resistant. Past seismic events in this area have led to secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction, which have exacerbated damage and losses.
Earthquakes pose a significant risk in areas such as Costa Rica due to geological features and the types of construction prevalent. With structures primarily made of mud and adobe, many buildings lack the robustness required to withstand substantial seismic activities. The vulnerability of such constructions increases the likelihood of damage and casualties in the event of significant earthquakes. Monitoring agencies like the USGS and EMSC play a critical role in issuing alerts and providing timely information on seismic activities, helping to mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters in populated regions. This context underscores the importance of geological preparedness and public awareness in earthquake-prone areas.
In summary, the M6.2 earthquake off the coast of Costa Rica on October 12, 2024, has been recorded at a shallow depth, with substantial shaking experienced by a large segment of the population. While the risk of a tsunami was ruled out and casualties are unlikely, the structural vulnerabilities in the region necessitate ongoing attention to earthquake preparedness and resilience strategies. The monitoring efforts of agencies like the USGS and EMSC remain vital to safeguarding communities against future seismic events.
Original Source: watchers.news
