Update: Costa Rica Rocked By 6.6 Magnitude Earthquake

An earthquake rocked Costa Rica Tuesday evening. According to reports, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit approximately 40 miles south of Liberia, on the northwest coast.

According to Reuters, the United States Geographical Survey is reporting the 6.6 magnitude earthquake’s epicenter was 38 miles south of Liberia, at a depth of 11.8 miles. The earthquake occurred at 6:45 p.m. local time (8:45 p.m. EDT).

The nearest town affected would be Honjacha, which is six miles (10 km) from the epicenter, reports the USGS. Nicoya is seven miles (11 km) from the epicenter. The capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, is 87 miles (140 km) away.

Agence France-Presse is reporting that there is no fear of a resulting tsunami. According to Vanessa Rosales, president of Costa Rica’s National Commission for Emergencies, "‘no one has reported serious damage," reports the AP. No injuries have been reported.

Inside Costa Rica is reporting that the epicenter of the earthquake was in Guanacaste province, just southeast of Nicoya. The epicenter of this earthquake is in the same location as a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked Costa Rica in September. Tremors and shaking could be felt as far away as San Jose.

The earthquake, despite being in the same location as the larger earthquake in September, was shallower, which should reduce the damage. Some parts of Guanacaste have lost power and there have been reports of minor structural damage to buildings including broken glass, reports Inside Costa Rica.

The Associated Press is reporting the present earthquake may be an aftershock of the September earthquake.