During the many seminars I speak at and on my monthly relocation retirement tours people almost always ask about earthquakes in Costa Rica. Earthquakes and volcanoes seem to big a big concern.

Costa Rica does have strict seismic codes which cover the construction of homes and other buildings. Costa Rica’s architects are first-rate and design buildings to withstand medium-size earthquakes. In 1974 Costa Rica’s structural engineers developed the country’s fist earthquake code to regulate construction. The code was revised in 1986 and again in 2002. Many buildings built before the first code went into effect have been reinforced to meet the new standards.

I’d like to point out that no building are earthquake proof. Most of the new homes and larger structures can withstand an earthquake of moderate intensity. Costa Rica’s standards are like those found in Chile. Recently, the latter suffered a large earthquake and the damage was minimal because of the strict earthquake codes. On the other hand, a country like Haiti was devastated because of substandard construction. Over 200,000 person lost their lives as a result.

No matter how good construction may be, damage from an earthquake depends on several factors. First, the magnitude of the quake and amount of energy released. Second, the depth of the quake. Third, the distance from the epicenter of where large concentrations of people are located. Fourth, the stability of the soil. Finally, the condition of the structures near the epicenter.

I have been in several small quakes during the 30 years I lived in Costa Rica and the damage was minimal. I was visiting Los Angeles, California in 1994 and happened to experience the big earthquake that occurred. It was much more frightening and caused far more damage than any of the quakes I have experienced here.