Pacific coastal region under tsunami warning after Costa Rica quake

Powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck near Pacific coast of Costa Rica briefly knocks out power and communications. PHOTO: FILE

WASHINGTON / SAN JOSE: A tsunami warning was issued on Wednesday for the Pacific coasts of Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Costa Rica, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

The center initially issued a Caribbean-wide tsunami watch but then withdrew it, saying it was sent by mistake.

7.6 quake jolts Costa Rica

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck near the Pacific coast of Costa Rica Wednesday, briefly knocking out power and communications in much of the country, authorities said.

The US Geological Survey initially said the quake struck off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and measured 7.9 on the Moment Magnitude Scale, but revised both the intensity and location of the quake in a subsequent advisory.

In its latest advisory, the USGS said the quake measured 7.6 and was 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of Hojancha, Costa Rica. A map showed the quake on land near the Pacific coast.