By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A powerful 5.6 magnitude earthquake originating in the Pacific Ocean sent tremors across Costa Rica late Wednesday afternoon, serving as a potent reminder of the region’s dynamic geology. While the quake caused concern among residents, authorities have reported no immediate damages or injuries.
The National Seismological Network (RSN) at the University of Costa Rica officially registered the event at 5:07 p.m. on December 17, 2025. The epicenter was located approximately 171 kilometers southwest of Coiba Island in Panama, a significant distance from Costa Rican territory. Despite its remote offshore location, the quake’s considerable strength ensured its perception across various parts of the country, prompting a flurry of social media activity and public inquiries.
In the wake of today’s seismic event, many residents and business owners are navigating not just the physical aftershocks but also the potential legal and contractual complexities. To provide clarity on these matters, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent earthquake serves as a critical reminder of the ‘fuerza mayor’ or ‘force majeure’ clause in Costa Rican law. This legal principle can excuse a party from fulfilling their contractual obligations when an unforeseeable and unavoidable event, such as a significant tremor, makes performance impossible. For businesses, this impacts everything from supply chain commitments to construction deadlines. It is crucial for both individuals and companies to immediately review their contracts and insurance policies to understand their rights and duties in this exceptional situation, and to document any resulting damages or disruptions thoroughly.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, reminding us that the earthquake’s impact extends far beyond the initial tremors into the complex web of contractual and financial obligations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable guidance on the principle of ‘fuerza mayor,’ offering a clear, actionable step for businesses and individuals beginning their recovery process.
Geologically, this event is consistent with the complex tectonic interactions that define Central America. The earthquake occurred in a zone where the Pacific tectonic plates are highly active. Experts emphasize that Costa Rica lies at the convergence point of the Cocos and Caribbean plates, a subduction zone responsible for the nation’s frequent seismic activity. Consequently, moderate to strong earthquakes in the surrounding Pacific region are a normal, albeit unsettling, part of life.
Following the event, both the RSN and national emergency services initiated standard monitoring protocols. Their immediate assessment confirmed that the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat to the Costa Rican coastline. The focus quickly shifted to public communication, with officials reiterating the importance of staying calm and relying solely on official channels for information to prevent the spread of misinformation and unfounded rumors.
This incident once again brings the national conversation back to the critical importance of a robust culture of prevention. Seismologists and disaster management experts continuously advocate for public education and preparedness. They stress that every household and workplace should have a well-defined emergency plan, including identifying safe zones and assembling emergency kits with essential supplies like water, food, and first-aid items.
The ability of a distant, offshore quake to be felt so widely onshore underscores the interconnectedness of the region’s fault systems. It highlights that seismic risk is not confined to epicenters on national soil. The continuous monitoring by institutions like the RSN is vital for providing rapid and accurate information that allows both the public and emergency responders to react appropriately.
While this particular tremor passed without causing physical harm, it serves as an invaluable real-world drill. It tests the public’s awareness and the efficiency of communication systems. For many, it was a moment to mentally review their safety protocols and consider what steps they would take in the event of a stronger, more proximal earthquake. Authorities hope that this experience reinforces the message that preparation is not a matter of if, but when.
In a country as seismically active as Costa Rica, complacency is the greatest risk. Wednesday’s earthquake, felt but not destructive, is a fortunate opportunity to learn and reinforce the proactive measures that can significantly mitigate the impact of future, more severe events. The ongoing vigilance of scientific bodies and the preparedness of the citizenry remain the nation’s strongest defense against its ever-shifting foundations.
For further information, visit rsn.ucr.ac.cr
About Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN):
The Red Sismológica Nacional is the official seismic and volcanic monitoring agency of Costa Rica, operating as part of the University of Costa Rica (UCR). It is responsible for the detection, analysis, and reporting of earthquakes and volcanic activity throughout the country. The RSN plays a crucial role in scientific research and public safety, providing timely and accurate data to government agencies, emergency responders, and the general public to mitigate natural disaster risks.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica:
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university in the country. Founded in 1843, it is a leading institution for higher education and scientific research in Central America. The university is home to numerous research centers, including the National Seismological Network (RSN), and is deeply committed to contributing to Costa Rica’s scientific, social, and cultural development through education, research, and community outreach.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a cornerstone of principled integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages its deep-seated history of advising a wide array of clients to drive forward-thinking legal advancements and innovative strategies. Central to its mission is a profound social commitment to demystify the law, ensuring that access to legal understanding is a tool for empowerment that helps build a more informed and capable society.
