It has only been 20 days since a magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook Costa Rica on 8 January, and already it's old news. It was one of those "minor" disasters that is profiled in the news for a few hours or days and soon disappears. The social and economic impact of the earthquake, however, will undoubtedly be felt for several months to come.
The earthquake once again proved that Costa Rica is highly vulnerable to natural phenomena and, therefore, cannot get complacent with preparedness measures, particularly prevention and disaster risk reduction. The country has estimated the economic losses at over US$ 100 million. According to official information, confirmed on 22 January by the National Emergency Commission (CNE), the earthquake's toll was 23 deaths, 100 injured, seven missing, more than 100,000 affected, 71 communities with serious damage to vital lines (housing, water, roads): 71 and approximately 423 houses completely destroyed.
A hydroelectric plant, hotels, crops, schools, houses, health centers, highways and bridges suffered damage or were destroyed in the Poas area, considered one of the most important tourist destinations in the country. Specialists from the Costa Rican Volcanic and Seismic Observatory, after a reconnaissance flight, observed that the ecologic and environmental impact has been huge. In addition, approximately 1250 hectares of agricultural and livestock land has been affected. In economic terms, the most affected areas are tourism and agricultural exports, which represent a considerable portion of the Costa Rican income.
A Test for the National Response System
Costa Rica has a strong national structure for the management of emergencies and disasters. From the start, the CNE took control of response measures, activated an Emergency Operations Center, and deployed focal points to the affected areas. Other agencies in the national disaster response network also got to work in rescue operations, care of victims, and evaluation of damage and needs. In general, and despite some minor coordination problems at the beginning, the response was quick and efficient.
The Costa Rican Red Cross y National firefighters activated their search and rescue teams, and performed an admirable job in the care of the injured and rescue of hundreds of people who were left isolated due to the damaged roads. Electricity, water, and communications were reestablished very quickly in most of the affected areas. The cleanup and reopening of roads and highways was also very efficient. Only those areas closest to the epicenter remained without access seven days after the earthquake, due to the magnitude of landslides.
Regarding humanitarian supplies, national solidarity filled warehouses set up in locations where assistance was provided to the affected population. Food, used clothing and shoes piled up in warehouses Donations could have been handled better if, from the start, the public had been encouraged to make monetary donations.
Health Situation
The health sector activated its emergency mechanisms to provide assistance to those injured and control sanitary conditions in shelters. The Costa Rican Social Services treated approximately 1.100 injured people in their Basic Health Clinics (EBAIS), health centers or areas reserved at the shelters. Only 81 people had to be evacuated to hospitals in other cities.
In general, epidemiological surveillance and health control have been carried out efficiently, and health services during the emergency were satisfactory. After the first few days, psychosocial intervention became a priority. The Costa Rican Social Security strengthened their psychosocial service teams, and special units were deployed to shelters.
The management of dead bodies was performed according to existing protocols and guidelines available in the country. A temporary morgue was created in the San Miguel de Sarapiqui school, where forensic experts from the Judicial Investigation Agency examined, identified, and delivered the victim's bodies to family members.
In search of a new destiny
Although the earthquake affected a rural, sparsely populated, area, several communities were severely affected. Cinchona became a ghost town, where practically all buildings were destroyed. The population was evacuated, leaving all their possesions behind.
At least 25 temporary shelters were habilitated for 3700 people. The Ministry of Health took charge of sanitary surveillance and control; initial reports indicated problems due to lack of latrines, access to safe water and waste disposal in several of those shelters. These problems, however, were quickly taken care of. By 22 January only 1500 people remained in the shelters at Poasito, Fraijanes, Heredia and Sarapiqui. Authorities are making plans to establish temporary settlements for these families, where they can stay at least six months, until a more permanent solution is found.