Significant M6.2 Earthquake Strikes Off the Costa Rican Coast

On October 12, 2024, a strong M6.2 earthquake occurred off the coast of Costa Rica at a shallow depth of 18 km. The quake resulted in shaking felt by 69,000 people moderately and 1.8 million lightly. No tsunami threat has been reported, and while the USGS issued a Green alert for potential fatalities and economic losses, the likelihood remains low.

A significant earthquake measuring M6.2 struck off the coast of Costa Rica on October 12, 2024, at 17:43 local time. The earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth of 18 kilometers (approximately 11.2 miles). According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the quake was situated approximately 41.4 kilometers (25.7 miles) to the northwest of Tamarindo, 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) west-northwest of Santa Cruz, and 75.9 kilometers (47.1 miles) west of Liberia in the Guanacaste Province. An estimated 69,000 individuals experienced moderate shaking, while approximately 1,856,000 felt lighter tremors. Fortunately, the USGS has confirmed that there is no tsunami threat resulting from this seismic activity. The USGS has issued a Green alert regarding the potential for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses; however, the likelihood of significant casualties or substantial damage appears to be low. Despite these reassurances, it is important to note that many buildings in the region are particularly susceptible to earthquake shaking, predominantly consisting of mud wall and adobe block constructions. Prior earthquakes in the vicinity have led to secondary hazards such as landslides and ground liquefaction, which can exacerbate the consequences of the seismic activity.

Costa Rica is situated within a seismically active region characterized by tectonic interaction, which frequently results in earthquakes. The country experiences seismic events of various magnitudes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area renowned for its high level of geological activity. Understanding the implications of such earthquakes is critical, particularly in terms of infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness among the local population, which predominantly resides in structures that may not withstand severe shaking.

In summary, the recent M6.2 earthquake off the coast of Costa Rica has prompted significant attention due to its shallow depth and the extent of population exposure to shaking. With 69,000 individuals experiencing moderate tremors and millions feeling light shaking, awareness and preparedness remain vital, particularly given the inherent vulnerabilities of regional building designs. Thankfully, the absence of a tsunami threat and low estimated casualties offer some reassurance.

Original Source: watchers.news