A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck the capital and surrounding areas causing residents to feel a strong shake but resulting in no reported injuries or structural damage. The quake hit at 5:06 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located one kilometer east of San Juan in Tibás, northeast of San José.
According to the National Seismological Network (RSN) at the University of Costa Rica, the event occurred at a shallow depth of six kilometers, which amplified the intensity felt across the densely populated Central Valley. People in eastern San José neighborhoods and nearby commercial districts reported the tremor most strongly. Some described objects falling from shelves, but officials from the National Emergency Commission (CNE) confirmed no casualties or material losses after initial assessments.
The RSN initially recorded the magnitude, later confirming it through updated data. Another monitoring body, the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori), provided a preliminary estimate of 4.1 before agreeing with the RSN’s figure. As we are all well aware, earthquakes are common here due to our position along tectonic plates, but events like this one continue to serve as reminders for preparedness. Residents in affected areas, including parts of the Central Valley, felt the ground move for several seconds, prompting brief evacuations in some buildings as a precaution.
Emergency services responded quickly, with CNE teams monitoring for aftershocks. So far, none have followed, though experts advise staying alert in the hours after such an occurrence. This tremor adds to a series of seismic activity in the region. Just last week, a similar 4.5 magnitude quake occurred off the Pacific coast near Puntarenas, though at greater depth and with less impact on populated zones.
Authorities encourage everyone to review emergency plans, secure heavy items, and know safe spots in homes or workplaces. The CNE maintains hotlines for reporting issues, and the RSN continues to track movements through its network of sensors. As Costa Rica experiences frequent quakes, events of this scale rarely cause harm but highlight the need for ongoing vigilance in one of the world’s most active seismic zones.
