Editorial: 35 Years After Limón Quake, Preparation Remains Key

Thirty-five years ago, the earth violently shook the province of Limón, and the scars of that devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on April 22, 1991, remain etched in Costa Rica's collective memory. La Nación, as a long-standing voice in our nation, uses this anniversary not just for remembrance, but as a critical call to action. Our editorial board stresses that the chaos and unpreparedness witnessed in the immediate aftermath of the quake are lessons we must never forget.

The earthquake exposed a painful truth: our infrastructure and our response systems were woefully inadequate. The initial disarray demonstrated that relying on reactive measures in the face of natural disasters is a recipe for further tragedy. This is a perspective that resonates deeply in a country like Costa Rica, situated in a seismically active region, where the threat of natural disasters is a constant reality.

Therefore, the central message from La Nación is clear: preparation must be continuous, professional, and evidence-based. It cannot be an afterthought or a response to a crisis. We must invest in robust, scientifically informed strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of our citizens. This editorial serves as a vital reminder that while we cannot predict the next earthquake, we can, and must, be better prepared to face it, learning from the painful experiences of the past.