Magnitude 5.4 earthquake shakes Costa Rica's capital, no damage reported

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake rattled Costa Rica's capital, San José, and surrounding areas early Monday morning, causing widespread alarm among residents. The main tremor occurred at 1:37 AM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 8 kilometers northeast of San Isidro de Coronado in the San José province, at a depth of 11 kilometers. The earthquake was attributed to a local terrestrial fault.

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The seismic activity generated alarm among the population, but did not cause material damage or affected people.

Following the initial quake, several aftershocks were recorded, including a magnitude 4.5 tremor just three minutes later. The National Emergency Commission (CNE) reported that while the seismic activity generated significant public concern, fortunately, no material damage or personal injuries were reported. The Observatory of Volcanology and Seismology of Costa Rica (Ovsicori) indicated that nearly 30 smaller aftershocks have occurred, most of which were not perceptible to the population.

Costa Rica, situated in a seismically active region, experiences frequent tremors throughout the year, with the majority going unnoticed by the public. This year, 2026, has already seen 12 earthquakes exceeding magnitude 5, the strongest being a 5.7 on April 15 near Playa Ostional in Guanacaste province. Despite the frequency of seismic events, none of these have resulted in significant damage or injuries.

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The epicenter was located 8 kilometers northeast of San Isidro de Coronado, in the province of San José, at a depth of 11 kilometers.

The seismic activity serves as a reminder of Costa Rica's geological vulnerability. While Monday's earthquake caused temporary fright, the lack of damage highlights the country's preparedness and the resilience of its infrastructure. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity, advising the public to remain informed and follow safety protocols during such events.

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Ovsicori reported that about 30 aftershocks have been recorded, although most were not perceived by the population.