The 1991 earthquake in Costa Rica was at magnitude 7.6 on the Richter scale and also hit Panama. The depth of the quake was located 10 kilometers away and its epicenter was located in the village of Pandora, in the Caribbean province of Limon.
It is the most powerful earthquake registered in Costa Rica that caused damage at 8 000 km², which is10% of Costa Rica territory and 20% of Panama. Damage and most notable losses occurred on roads, railways, bridges, ports and aqueducts.
The earthquake generated a tsunami that affected areas of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo of Talamanca.
In Costa Rica, it was necessary to rebuild 309 km of roads. The total damages amounted to 21.991,9 million colones, (39,827,110.981 dollars) wounded, 48 dead and 4.452 collapsed houses.
Today Limón is already recovered, but since that date, people in Limón and the country understand that Costa Rica is a country of seismic and tectonic movement.
If you visit Limón and in general, Costa Rica, don’t be alarmed by the quakes. They are normal in our country and Red Sismológica Nacional, medical organizations, fire departements and the police are always prepared for any event.
Limón is a very popular area for adventure and sight seeing. Some of the best places of this beautiful province are Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Talamanca and Mazanillo.
