Deadly earthquake strikes Costa Rica
At least three people killed by powerful earthquake in Costa Rica
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Friday, 09, Jan 2009 09:31
At least three people have died after a powerful earthquake struck Costa Rica on Thursday.
The 6.1-magnitude quake took place at 13:21 local time (19:21 GMT) yesterday; its epicentre 30km north-west of capital San Jose.
Local officials said two sisters, aged seven and 11, were killed in a landslide caused by the quake in the town of Alajuela.
And a woman became the quake's third victim when she died from a heart attack in the capital.
The quake initially cut off power in San Jose and was felt across the Central American country and neighbouring Nicaragua, sparking scenes of panic as residents ran into the streets amid shattering windows and cracking walls.
Costa Rica, which lies on the Pacific Ring – a belt of seismic activity along the edge of the Pacific Ocean – experienced more than 4,700 earthquakes in 2008.