No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveTsunamis in Central America

Tsunamis in Central America

Tsunamis, or tidal waves, result from an imbalance in ocean waters generated by abrupt disturbances on the marine floor from volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, meteorite impacts or earthquakes, usually of magnitude 7 or higher (TT, Jan. 7, 2005).

Since 1539, 49 tidal waves have been documented in Central America, only nine of which have caused significant destruction, killing a total 455 people. The Pacific coast has been the hardest hit, weathering 37 big waves, while 12 have hit the Caribbean.

Guatemala and Nicaragua are at the highest risk for tidal waves, though 15 small tidal waves created by earthquakes have struck Costa Rican shores, five on the Caribbean coast and 10 on the Pacific.

The most destructive wave demolished Villa Golfo Dulce in the southern Pacific zone in 1854, and was caused by a strong quake. The 1992 Nicaragua tsunami lapped Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, but caused little damage there, mostly to boats and bridges.

 

Trending Now

Nicaragua Places Bayardo Arce Under House Arrest Amid Power Struggle

The Nicaraguan government has placed historic Sandinista commander Bayardo Arce, economic adviser to President Daniel Ortega, under house arrest, according to exiled opposition members...

Costa Rica’s PPSO Backs Laura Fernández to Continue Rodrigo Chaves’s Agenda

Former Minister of Economy Francisco Gamboa and attorney Douglas Soto will join Laura Fernández for the 2026 elections, representing the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO),...

Massive Cocaine Seizure at Costa Rica’s Moín Terminal Targets UK

Costa Rican police intercepted 810 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment at the Moín Container Terminal in Limón headed for the United...

Costa Rica Launches Traceability System to Tackle Illegal Logging

Costa Rica is advancing with the creation of a National Forest Traceability System, a key tool to guarantee the legality and sustainability of timber...

Costa Rica Fails to Meet Human Rights Standards for Deportees

The Ombudsman's Office has confirmed that Costa Rica was unprepared to provide adequate care for deportees who have entered the country since February. This...

Why I Choose Real Life in Costa Rica Over the AI Hype

When it comes to AI, call me OG. Old school. I sometimes wish I could go back to a time before it existed. Artificial...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica