M6.2 Earthquake Strikes Off Costa Rica’s Coast
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Costa Rica on October 12, 2024, at a depth of 18 km. Approximately 69,000 people experienced moderate shaking, while about 1.86 million felt light tremors. There is no tsunami threat, and the USGS issued a Green alert reflecting a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Local construction types pose a risk during earthquakes, necessitating ongoing attention to seismic preparedness.
On October 12, 2024, at 17:43 local time (11:43 UTC), a significant earthquake measuring 6.2 on the moment magnitude scale struck off the coast of Costa Rica. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) corroborated this data, noting the same magnitude and depth. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 41.4 kilometers (25.7 miles) northwest of Tamarindo, 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) west-northwest of Santa Cruz, and 75.9 kilometers (47.1 miles) west of Liberia, all municipalities within the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. An estimated 69,000 individuals experienced moderate shaking, while around 1,856,000 felt light shaking as a result of this seismic event. Fortunately, the USGS indicated that there is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake. They have issued a Green alert, suggesting a low likelihood of casualties and damage, despite the region’s prevalent building types, such as mud walls and adobe structures, being vulnerable to such seismic activity. Recent geological activity in this area has also led to secondary hazards, such as landslides and liquefaction, which have previously contributed to damages in similar events.
Earthquakes are geological phenomena that occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, leading to seismic waves. Costa Rica, situated near the boundary of the Pacific and Caribbean tectonic plates, is particularly susceptible to seismic activities. This region has a history of earthquakes, some of which have caused considerable destruction due to the vulnerable construction prevalent among its population. Understanding seismic risks is crucial for disaster preparedness and urban planning, especially in areas with high population density and poorly constructed buildings. Seismology is critical in assessing risks and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of such natural events.
In conclusion, the recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Costa Rica highlights the ongoing seismic challenges faced by the region. While the alert level indicates a low likelihood of significant damage and casualties, the vulnerability of local constructions remains a concern. Efforts towards enhancing earthquake preparedness and building resilience among communities could significantly reduce potential impacts in future seismic events.
Original Source: watchers.news
