A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off the Costa Rican coast on October 12, 2024, at a shallow depth of 18 km. The USGS and EMSC reported the magnitude, with over 1.8 million residents experiencing light shaking. A Green alert indicates a low risk of fatalities and damage, although many structures remain vulnerable to seismic activity.
On October 12, 2024, a strong and shallow earthquake measuring 6.2 on the moment magnitude scale struck off the coast of Costa Rica at 17:43 local time (11:43 UTC). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 18 kilometers (11.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) corroborated this data with the same magnitude and depth. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 41.4 kilometers (25.7 miles) northwest of Tamarindo, a locality with a population of 6,375; 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) west-northwest of Santa Cruz, home to 12,281 residents; and 75.9 kilometers (47.1 miles) west of Liberia, which has a population of 45,380, all situated in Guanacaste Province. An estimated 69,000 individuals experienced moderate shaking, while approximately 1,856,000 felt light tremors. Notably, there is currently no tsunami threat associated with this seismic event. The USGS has issued a Green alert regarding potential shaking-related fatalities and economic impacts, indicating a low probability of casualties and damage. Despite this low likelihood, the population in the region resides in structures predominantly susceptible to seismic activity. The common construction types, such as mud walls and adobe blocks, are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes; however, a limited number of more resilient structures also exist. Recent seismic occurrences in the vicinity have previously resulted in secondary hazards, including landslides and liquefaction, which may have amplified losses during similar events.
Earthquakes are a common geological phenomenon in regions like Costa Rica, which is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterized by high seismic and volcanic activity. The infrastructure in many parts of Costa Rica varies significantly in terms of resilience to earthquakes. Vulnerable building types, such as homes made from mud and adobe, are prevalent, making these populations more susceptible to the impacts of seismic events. Understanding the potential effects of such earthquakes is crucial for emergency preparedness and risk management, as even moderate quakes can lead to significant challenges for vulnerable communities.
In conclusion, the M6.2 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Costa Rica on October 12, 2024, serves as a reminder of the seismic risks faced by this region. While the immediate consequences appear to be manageable with a low likelihood of casualties and damage, ongoing assessments are critical to ensure public safety and preparedness for future seismic activities.
Original Source: watchers.news
