Shake, Rattle and Roll- Earthquake Strikes But We’re Still Surfing
A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Costa Rica yesterday morning sending people scurrying into a brief panic before resuming regular daily life. It was the strongest earthquake to strike Costa Rica in 50 years. The quake hit some 25 miles under the surface so luckily the damage was minimal. It was felt as far as Panama and Nicaragua. At first, there was a tsunami warming issued but the warning has been called off. Areas did suffer power outages and structural damage to buildings and roads but the reported damage is minimal. Luckily, there were very few injuries. Overall for such a huge quake, there is very little clean up to do. The good news is that the waves are huge and surfers are heading to the beach especially along the Southern Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica faces a constant threat of intense rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides; it is no stranger to natural disasters. This small country is constantly reminded of the power of mother nature, which probably influences the fact that it is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world. Located along the ring of fire under the Locus and Caribbean plates makes the country vulnerable to large quakes. Earthquakes can be devastating to both humans and the environment. They can cause significant damage to habitats and result in the deaths of many animals. The last quake to strike Costa caused significant damage to the natural habitats. Since 1991, Costa Rica has suffered four quakes of a magnitude of 6.1 or larger. Luckily, for Costa Ricans yesterday’s earthquake, while historic in size, caused little damage due to its depth.
The surfers were able to return to the ocean as soon as the Tsunami warning was called off late yesterday. Back in the water, they are enjoying some massive waves especially in the Southern Pacific region. Surf reports show that the waves are above head. So if you are in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula region, now is the time to head over to Matapalo or Point Break Left to enjoy some incredible breaks. Crocodile Bay takes regular day trips to the biggest surfing locations in the area. The overall environmental damage to this region was minimal.
So after a shake up, life resumes to normal in this paradise after having reminded everyone of the fragility of life and the power of the earth. Perhaps, it is a blessing to be reminded every so often how fragile life is because it makes us pause and reflect about whether or not we are spending our waking hours doing the things that really matter to us. Time is the most precious resource we have. Ask yourself, are you using your time well? Does work consume all you time and do you enjoy what you do? And one last thought, when was the last time you took a vacation? Life is short.