6.2-magnitude quake hits Costa Rica

An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale hit Costa Rico Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The earthquake, which struck at 4:16 p.m. local time (2216 GMT), had its epicenter at a depth of 38.8 kilometers, 67 kilometers from San Jose, the capital city.

The earthquake was felt all around the country, but to the moment there are no reports of material damages or victims, local media said.

Meanwhile, the Vulcanology and Seismology Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori) also reported the quake, which had disrupted the telephone service in different points of the country.

The Ovsicori said the earthquake was triggered by the crash between the Cocos and Caribbean plates, which was part of the normal plate tectonics activity in the area.

The Ovsicori added that it has been the strongest earthquake registered in the country during this year.

Meanwhile, two Panamanian provinces bordering with Costa Rica also felt the temblor, the Geosciences Institute of the University of Panama said.

The institute said the earthquake was felt in the western provinces of Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro, but there were no reports of victims or material damages.

The Units of Civil Protection System of Panama are making inspections in the affected zones as a preventive measure.

Source:Xinhua