5.1-magnitude earthquake shakes Costa Rica

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Costa Rica at 3:14 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), the quake had an estimated epicenter 9.3 km west of Rio Cuarto, Alajuela.

That places the epicenter about 48 km (30 miles) northwest of San José, and closer still to the city of Alajuela.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.

The National Seismological Network (RSN), which recorded the tremor at a magnitude of 5.4, says the earthquake was caused by a subduction of the Cocos tectonic plate.

Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) says to “first and foremost, remain calm” when an earthquake hits.

“Costa Rica is a highly seismic country,” CNE posted after Tuesday’s quake. “That’s why Costa Rica prepares.”

CNE is hosting a nationwide earthquake simulacrum, or drill, on Monday, August 19 to help Costa Rica prepare for evacuations in the event of a large tremor. The organization expects more than a million people across the country to participate in the event.