Costa Rica Shakes with Panic

On Wednesday, September 5th, 2012 an earthquake hit Costa Rica. The terrifying catastrophe spawned a tsunami alert, which brung even more fear to the homes of South America.

Fortunately, Costa Ricans only suffered little damage. Some houses collapsed, a few highways were blocked and only one death occured because of the earthquake. However the death was caused by a heart attack.

Because the tremors were 25 miles underground, the damage was reduced. But if it had been shallower, experts say that Costa Rica might have endured a lot more trouble.

The earthquake was followed by three aftershock — each of magnitude above 4 — which were felt considerably less than the original one.

Costa Rica has managed to keep up with anti-earthquake structures, therefore most buildings were considerably stronger, and prepared for earthquakes.

Here is a video (not in english however) that shows the earthquake’s strenght in different places:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/7622641/7-6-quake-hits-Costa-Rica

In overall, the human race got lucky once again. Only one, maybe two now, people have died, some buildings toppled over or were damaged, yet a 7.6 earthquake would have done a lot more damage if it wasn’t for the extra strenght in Costa Rican structures.

Here are some pictures to show you what happened: 

Note that I am not the owner of the video or the pictures, these are from the internet.

Tell me what you think of this by commenting or liking the article!

 ~ Jason