Strong quake hits Costa Rica's Pacific coast, no damages reported

SAN JOSE (Reuters)

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook Costa Rica's northwest Pacific coast on Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), causing buildings to sway in the area but there were no immediate reports of any damages or injuries.

The epicenter of the quake was located approximately 41 km northwest of the coastal town of Tamarindo, at a relatively shallow depth of 18 km, the USGS said.

Costa Rica's national emergencies agency CNE said it had no reports of damages associated with the quake, but some locals reported a sudden scare.

"It was really intense. My house has two floors and you could hear it very loudly. We are really scared," said Lidiette Vasquez, A resident of Playa Potrero, located a short distance north of Tamarindo.

She added that since Friday, there have been other earthquakes felt in the area but no damage.