Strong moderately dangerous earthquake near the Panama / Costa Rica border area

Last update: May 27, 2013 at 4:43 pm by By Ashish Khanal

Update 16:38 UTC : After searching our many sources we are happy to report that NO damage or injuries have been reported by local press or authorities. If you have signs of the contrary, please let us know by filling in a comment or IHFI report. Thank you.
The most logical reason for a possible harmless outcome will be the depth as reported by Ovsicori Costa Rica (35 km).

Update 11:07 UTC : Ovsicori Costa Rica is reporting a Magnitude of M6 BUT at a depth of 35 km. this depth makes the earthquake still moderately dangerous but less dangerous than the initial USGS data.

Update 10:54 UTC : Most shaking exposed villages / cities in the epicenter area :
MMI VI (strong shaking) : Guabito 6,000 inhabitants, Changuinola 23,000 and Sixaola 2,000
MMI V (Moderate shaking)  : Barranco 1,000 and Almirante 8,000

Update 10:15 UTC : Falling objects and telephone problems in Costa Rica (nothing abnormal !!). Power outtage in Perez Zeledon

Update 10:09 UTC : The main reason why this earthquake is more dangerous than normal Costa Rica Pacific earthquakes is that the fault type is different (transform vs subduction). Transform faults are more dangerous. The area around town Guabito might be the most dangerous. Many villages, soft soil and probably not the most resistant buildings.
In the direct vicinity of the epicenter are mainly rocky hills and not many villages, but the village of Prucsco is located in a softer soil valley.

A strong earthquake occurred in the middle of the Costa Rica / Panama night at a shallow depth of 12 km (preliminary value). It was well felt in both countries.
This earthquake maybe dangerous as it was strong and shallow.
The earthquake happened on the Atlantic Coast, a rather unusual location for such strong earthquakes.
Earthquake-Report.com calls this earthquake Moderately Dangerous for injuries and damage.
The MMI VII shaking which is expected by the USGS calculations is confirming our expectations.

12km (7mi) SSW of Guabito, Panama
15km (9mi) WSW of Changuinola, Panama
68km (42mi) N of Volcan, Panama
79km (49mi) SSE of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
168km (104mi) ESE of San Jose, Costa Rica

Most important Earthquake Data:

Magnitude : 5.7

Local Time (conversion only below land) : 2013-05-27 04:41:15

GMT/UTC Time : 2013-05-27 09:41:15

from:    http://earthquake-report.com/2013/05/27/strong-earthquake-panama-costa-rica-border-region-on-may-27-2013/