Is Costa Rica prepared for a major earthquake?

By Rico

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If the earthquake would hit cities, large or small, engineers and architects believe the large buildings and houses built under the rigors of the Seismic Code (Código Sísmico), would withstand the onslaught of earthquakes.

But, these professionals also believe that 20% of buildings not supervised by engineers and in a state of “informality” (according to a CFIA report) could be damaged.

“Informal housing, many in marginal neighborhoods, do not have a design supervised by a professional. In a strong movement, a house built without structural calculation is sure to collapse,” according to structural engineer Daniel Acuña.

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If the earthquake happened in the south of the country, possibly the wounded would arrive at the Ciudad Neily hospital. That is why, recently, the medical center was seismically reconstructed.

Health authorities believe that the hospital would be able to respond to emergencies in the event of a strong earthquake.

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The Cuerpo de Bomberos (Fire Department) has a ‘Search and Rescue Team in Collapsed Structures’ that has been acquiring equipment and training its personnel to be prepared for catastrophes. They provide an effective first response, according to Luis Fernando Salas, Operational Director of the Bomberos.

The firefighters would attend a possible emergency with 75 units with specialized equipment for a first response.

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