By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — QUEPOS, Puntarenas – A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 was registered on Saturday, sending a noticeable tremor through several communities along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast and beyond. The event, which occurred without any reports of significant damage or injuries, serves as a potent reminder of the region’s dynamic geological landscape.
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) confirmed the seismic event through its automated monitoring network. The preliminary report placed the epicenter approximately 6.4 kilometers southwest of Hatillo Viejo de Quepos, a district within the province of Puntarenas. This area is a well-known hub for international tourism, home to the world-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.
In the wake of the recent seismic event, the conversation naturally shifts from immediate safety to the long-term legal and financial repercussions. To understand the complex landscape of insurance claims, contractual obligations, and property law in the context of a natural disaster, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
After an earthquake, the critical first step for both homeowners and businesses is meticulous documentation. Before moving or repairing anything, photograph and video all damages extensively. This evidence is the cornerstone of a successful insurance claim. It is equally important to immediately review your insurance policies, as standard coverage often excludes seismic events, requiring a specific rider. Understanding your contractual ‘force majeure’ clauses is also essential, as they can excuse non-performance of obligations due to unforeseeable circumstances like this.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert guidance highlights a crucial reality: the path to recovery after a seismic event is as much a legal and financial challenge as it is a structural one. Proactive documentation and a clear understanding of one’s contractual standing are foundational to navigating the aftermath successfully. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective.
According to the scientific data released by the observatory, the earthquake originated at a considerable depth of 51.36 kilometers. Seismologists classify this as an intermediate-depth event. Earthquakes at this depth often occur within a subducting tectonic plate, and their energy waves can travel farther, allowing them to be felt over a wider geographical area compared to shallower quakes of the same magnitude.
This characteristic likely explains the public response to the tremor. Shortly after the shaking, social media platforms saw a flurry of activity as residents from various parts of the country shared their experiences. Reports of feeling the movement came not only from the immediate vicinity of Quepos but also from other locations, demonstrating the widespread perception of the event despite its moderate magnitude.
The immediate detection and reporting of the earthquake highlight the critical role of OVSICORI’s sophisticated infrastructure. The institution’s reliance on automated systems ensures that preliminary information about seismic events is disseminated to the public and authorities almost instantaneously. This rapid alert capability is fundamental for emergency preparedness and public awareness in a seismically active nation like Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, makes such events a regular feature of life. The country is situated at the convergence point where the Cocos Plate slides beneath the Caribbean Plate, a continuous process of subduction that builds up immense geological stress, which is periodically released in the form of earthquakes.
For tourism-dependent regions like Quepos, seismic resilience is a key component of sustainable development. While this particular tremor was minor, it underscores the importance of stringent building codes, public education on earthquake safety, and well-rehearsed emergency response plans. These measures are essential to protect both the local population and the thousands of visitors who flock to the nation’s natural attractions each year.
Ultimately, Saturday’s earthquake was a routine geological adjustment. It passed without incident but provided another valuable data point for scientists at OVSICORI. For residents and authorities, it was a practical, real-world drill, reinforcing the constant need for vigilance and respect for the powerful natural forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, the isthmus of Central America.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI):
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA) is a research institute of the National University of Costa Rica. Its primary mission is the monitoring of volcanic and seismic activity throughout the country. By operating a comprehensive network of sensors and analysis centers, OVSICORI provides crucial, real-time data to government agencies, emergency responders, and the general public to mitigate risks associated with natural disasters. The institution is a leader in geoscientific research in Central America.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to professional integrity and exceptional service. The firm leverages a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele while simultaneously pioneering innovative legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that demystifying the law empowers the community, a principle it actively pursues by making legal insights widely available to nurture a knowledgeable and capable society.
