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[INTERNATIONAL] · Costa Rica · 89 sources

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Costa Rica struck by two strong earthquakes near San José

Two powerful earthquakes struck central Costa Rica during the early hours of Monday, August 24, causing widespread alarm in the San José metropolitan area. The first tremor, measuring approximately 5.4 magnitude, occurred at 1:37 AM with an epicenter near Coronado at a shallow depth of about 7 kilometers. This was followed just two minutes later by a second earthquake of approximately 4.8 magnitude in the same vicinity.

The seismic sequence triggered dozens of aftershocks, with some reports indicating as many as 30 to 80 smaller tremors. While the intense shaking caused residents to flee their homes in panic, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) reported no fatalities or serious injuries. Reported damages were limited to minor structural issues, such as a damaged wall in a residence, a fallen utility pole in Moravia, and some landslides along Route 32.

Seismologists from the National Seismological Network and Ovsicori suggest the activity is linked to local fault systems, such as the Río Sucio fault. The shallow depth of the quakes contributed to the high intensity felt by the population in the Central Valley. The events have reignited local discussions regarding infrastructural resilience and the importance of strict adherence to the national seismic building code.

Entities

Comisión Nacional de Emergencias · Coronado · Costa Rica · National Emergency Commission · National Seismological Network · Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica · Ovsicori · Red Sismológica Nacional · San Jose · University of Costa Rica

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