I think the writer at BirdingCraft.com put it best saying, “The upsides of living in a seismically active country are the hot springs and I suppose visiting active volcanoes. The downside is of course the possibility of having your house collapse onto your head or other nasty effects cause by EARTHQUAKE.”

It was a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Thursday, January 8th, 2009 at 2 pm and the death toll is now estimated at about 40. (Reuters)

Daniel Gallardo, the National Emergency Commission head, believes that the 14 bodies in addition to the 23 missing are probably it as far as fatalities go.

“If there are (more) people missing,” he said, “their families will advise us. It’s unlikely that there are missing people that have still not been reported.

The most damage was centered at the Poas Volcano, and the shifting ground coupled by the risk of landslides made it difficult for rescuers searching for survivors.

Living in a land where there is constant seismic activity it is a little surprising just how many Ticos don’t know what to do when an earthquake strikes. In situations like this it generally takes a second for things to click into place, but for the most part we are raised in the United States to have an emergency plan. It is ingrained in us from such a young age that it is almost second nature. As soon as you realize that it isn’t just little tremors you head for a doorway and plant yourself in it. That is, after all, the most solid structure that won’t likely come down on your head.

What do you do if your house is a wood shack though? That question has plagued me as I think about the poorer areas that were affected by the quake.

Reports of some structural damage have come from the epicenter of the quake, San Pedro de Poas, which is located about 20 miles from San Jose. Windows broke in some taller buildings and the road to La Paz waterfall gardens has been washed away in some parts.

Below is a video found on YouTube of footage of the aftermath of the quake. Much of the footage was taken from the air.

Related posts:

• Earthquakes: Prevention and Preparedness