A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Costa Rica on October 12, 2024. With a shallow depth of 18 km, the earthquake affected approximately 1.9 million people, resulting in moderate and light shaking. Authorities reported no tsunami risk and issued a Green alert indicating a low likelihood of casualties and damage, although many structures in the region remain vulnerable to seismic activity.
On October 12, 2024, a significant earthquake measuring M6.2 occurred off the coast of Costa Rica at 17:43 local time (11:43 UTC), as recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake had a shallow depth of 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) and was located approximately 41.4 kilometers (25.7 miles) northwest of Tamarindo, 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) west-northwest of Santa Cruz, and about 75.9 kilometers (47.1 miles) west of Liberia, within Guanacaste Province. According to the USGS, an estimation suggests that around 69,000 individuals experienced moderate shaking, while approximately 1,856,000 felt light tremors. Despite the earthquake’s strength, authorities confirmed that there was no tsunami threat. The USGS issued a Green alert concerning potential shaking-related fatalities and economic losses, indicating a low likelihood of significant casualties and infrastructural damage. However, it is noteworthy that many structures in this region exhibit vulnerability to seismic activity, particularly those constructed from mud and adobe block, although some buildings are designed to withstand such events. Historical data also illustrates that similar seismic occurrences have previously led to secondary hazards, such as landslides and liquefaction, which could contribute to damages.
Earthquakes pose a significant risk to many regions worldwide, particularly in areas like Costa Rica, which is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire—the most seismically active zone on the planet. This region is characterized by tectonic movements due to the meeting of continental and oceanic plates. As a result, Costa Rica frequently experiences seismic activity, including both minor and major earthquakes. Understanding the geological and structural vulnerabilities of the population is vital in mitigating the impact of such natural disasters. The construction of buildings plays a critical role, as certain materials and designs are more prone to collapse during tremors, increasing the potential for casualties and structural damage. Furthermore, the historical context of earthquakes in the region highlights the possibility of secondary effects like landslides, which further complicate rescue and recovery operations following significant seismic events.
In summary, the recent M6.2 earthquake off the Costa Rican coast on October 12, 2024, was a notable seismic event with the potential for moderate to light shaking across a large population. Authorities have deemed the likelihood of serious casualties and significant damage as low, yet the vulnerability of local structures cannot be overlooked. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic risks that regions like Costa Rica face due to their geological characteristics.
Original Source: watchers.news
