A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck in the North Pacific Ocean near Costa Rica on Saturday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred about 25 miles northwest of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, at 1:43 p.m. Eastern time. Seismologists are reviewing data to confirm the earthquake’s magnitude and may update the shake-severity map accordingly. Aftershocks in the region are expected, which are smaller earthquakes that follow a larger one in the same area and can occur days, weeks, or even years after the initial earthquake. These aftershocks can cause further damage to already affected areas. The U.S.G.S. provides information on earthquake intensity using the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale, with aftershock data included in maps and charts for earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. As of Saturday, October 12 at 2:26 p.m. Eastern, shake data was available, while aftershocks data was updated as of Sunday, October 13 at 3:58 p.m. Eastern. The map shows areas with a shake intensity of 4 or greater, which the U.S.G.S. defines as “light,” though the earthquake may be felt outside of these areas.
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