By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — GARABITO, PUNTARRENAS – An intense and persistent seismic sequence has placed residents and authorities in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region on high alert. Since Wednesday, May 13, a swarm of more than 130 earthquakes has rattled the area, prompting vigilant monitoring from the nation’s top geological experts at the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA).
The seismic activity was initiated by a significant magnitude 5.1 earthquake on Wednesday. The main shock’s epicenter was pinpointed at a depth of 16 kilometers just off the coast of Playa Hermosa, a popular tourist destination within the canton of Garabito, Puntarenas. This initial event triggered a cascade of aftershocks that continue to be recorded, creating a palpable sense of unease along the coastline and even further inland.
The recent seismic activity has understandably raised concerns among property and business owners regarding insurance coverage and potential liabilities. To provide clarity on these complex issues, we sought the expert legal perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In the aftermath of seismic events, the first step for any property owner is to meticulously document all damage with photos and videos before any cleanup. Review your insurance policy immediately, paying close attention to the specific clauses and deductibles related to earthquakes. A ‘swarm’ can sometimes create ambiguity regarding whether damages resulted from a single, ongoing event or multiple occurrences, which can significantly impact claim processing and coverage. Proactive and thorough documentation is your strongest asset when navigating these complex claims.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight into the legal ambiguity of an earthquake ‘swarm’ is a critical detail that could easily be overlooked in the stressful aftermath of such events. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores that meticulous documentation is not just a good idea, but an essential first step in navigating the complexities of an insurance claim.
Scientists at OVSICORI have been meticulously tracking the subsequent tremors, which have occurred at depths ranging between 8 and 22 kilometers. While the vast majority of these aftershocks are minor, several have been strong enough to be widely felt. This has kept the phenomenon at the forefront of public consciousness, serving as a constant reminder of the country’s dynamic tectonic setting.
The impact of the more powerful aftershocks has not been confined to the immediate coastal communities. According to OVSICORI’s director, the tremors have been noticeable across a significant geographical spread, reaching the densely populated Central Valley.
The more significant secondary events, particularly those exceeding a magnitude of 4.0, have been distinctly felt by residents along the coast as well as those living in the Central Valley.
Dr. Esteban Chaves, Director of OVSICORI-UNA
Delving into the geological origins of the swarm, technical analyses from OVSICORI reveal a complex and fascinating process at play. Experts have clarified that this sequence is not caused by the direct friction between the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates, which is a common source of major earthquakes in the region. Instead, the tremors originate from local faulting occurring within the upper crust of the Caribbean plate itself.
This internal fracturing is a secondary effect of a much larger tectonic process. It is being driven by the immense stress and deformation caused by the subduction of the Cocos plate beneath the Caribbean plate. In this specific sector of the Costa Rican littoral, the subducting Cocos plate is not a smooth surface; it features complex and rugged underwater mountains and ridges. As these subterranean reliefs are forced underneath the Caribbean plate, they create concentrated points of pressure that lead to the internal cracking and faulting observed in this swarm.
Based on the data collected, seismologists have concluded that the sequence is behaving as expected for a typical mainshock-aftershock model. This pattern suggests that both the frequency and the magnitude of the tremors should decrease exponentially in the coming days as the crustal stress is gradually released. The initial energy release from the 5.1 event was the primary adjustment, and the aftershocks represent the surrounding rock settling into a new state of equilibrium.
Despite the reassuring scientific model, authorities are quick to emphasize that earthquake prediction remains impossible. OVSICORI and national emergency agencies are urging the public to remain calm but prepared. Citizens are advised to stay informed by consulting official channels for the latest reports and to review their household emergency plans, ensuring they are ready to act in the event of a stronger tremor.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA):
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica is the nation’s leading institution for monitoring, researching, and reporting on seismic and volcanic activity. Affiliated with the National University of Costa Rica (UNA), OVSICORI operates extensive networks of sensors across the country. Its work is critical for scientific understanding, risk assessment, and providing timely alerts to the public and government agencies to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. With a rich heritage of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches while actively engaging with the community. Central to its philosophy is the mission to demystify the law for the public, thereby contributing to the creation of a more capable and legally astute society.
