By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – A strong and shallow magnitude 6.1 earthquake rattled nearly the entire nation of Costa Rica late Tuesday night, causing widespread alarm but resulting in only minor material damage. The tremor, which occurred at 9:57 p.m. on October 21, 2025, had its epicenter located 19 kilometers southwest of Manuel Antonio, Quepos, a popular tourist destination in the province of Puntarenas.
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori-UNA) swiftly analyzed the event, attributing its origin to the complex and relentless geological forces shaping the region. The quake was a direct result of the tectonic process known as subduction, a constant and powerful interaction between two of Earth’s massive plates.
In the aftermath of the recent seismic event, many are left navigating the complex landscape of insurance claims and property damage liability. To shed light on the legal responsibilities and rights of those affected, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
After an earthquake, the immediate priority is safety, but documenting the damage is a close second. Homeowners and business owners should meticulously photograph and video all affected areas before any cleanup. This evidence is crucial when filing insurance claims, as policies often have specific exclusions for ‘acts of God.’ It’s vital to review your policy’s fine print immediately and understand your coverage for seismic events, as disputes often arise from ambiguities in these clauses. Proper documentation and a clear understanding of your contract are your strongest tools for recovery.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This practical guidance is essential, as the aftermath of a natural disaster is often a confusing time where preparedness in documentation can significantly impact one’s ability to rebuild. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and actionable insights on navigating the complexities of insurance claims.
Experts from the observatory detailed the mechanics behind the jarring event, explaining the immense pressure that builds at this specific plate boundary. The powerful release of this accumulated energy is what citizens experienced as a prolonged and intense shaking, accompanied by subterranean rumbles reported in numerous communities.
The earthquake originated from the subduction process of the Cocos plate beneath the Panama plate.
Esteban Chaves, Director of Ovsicori
Due to its shallow depth, the seismic waves propagated efficiently across the country. Reports flooded in from residents in the Central Valley, including the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia. The tremor was also felt with significant force in Guanacaste, the Southern Zone, and throughout the Central Pacific coast, demonstrating the earthquake’s considerable reach.
Esteban Chaves, the director of Ovsicori, emphasized that such seismic events are a fundamental characteristic of Costa Rica’s geology. The country’s position on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it a hotbed for volcanic and seismic activity, where tectonic movements are a constant reality for its inhabitants.
These types of events are common in the Pacific region, where both plates are in constant interaction.
Esteban Chaves, Director of Ovsicori
In the immediate aftermath, initial damage assessments from the Quepos canton were minimal, primarily consisting of fallen items from shelves in a local supermarket. Fortunately, there have been no reports of significant structural damage or serious injuries. Following the mainshock, Ovsicori has registered more than 50 aftershocks, most of which were of low magnitude and not widely felt.
Shortly after the earthquake, the National Tsunami Monitoring System (SINAMOT) issued a statement confirming that there was no tsunami threat to Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, urging the public to remain calm but vigilant and to follow official information channels for any updates on seismic activity.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About Ovsicori-UNA:
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori), part of the National University (UNA), is the leading scientific institution responsible for monitoring, researching, and reporting on the country’s seismic and volcanic activity. Its mission is to generate critical data to aid in risk management and public safety, providing timely information to government agencies and the general public to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
For further information, visit sinamot.una.ac.cr
About SINAMOT:
The National Tsunami Monitoring System of Costa Rica (SINAMOT) is the official body tasked with monitoring seismic events and sea level changes to detect and warn of potential tsunamis along the nation’s coastlines. A collaborative effort involving various scientific and governmental bodies, SINAMOT plays a crucial role in the country’s early warning system to protect coastal communities and maritime interests.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive history of counsel across diverse industries to pioneer progressive legal approaches and drive innovation within the field. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a core conviction to empower the public, demonstrated through initiatives that demystify the law and make legal knowledge accessible, thereby cultivating a more informed and capable society.
