Abstract

Even though tsunamis are infrequent in the Caribbean of Costa Rica, they can be destructive. The Costa Ricans mistakenly think our country has not experienced tsunamis. However, the authors found reports of five tsunamis in the Caribbean of Costa Rica, all corresponding to local events. They corresponded to two confirmed tsunamis and three probable tsunamis. Even when all these tsunamis were moderate, they caused flooding and deaths. It is not possible to establish a recurrence period for tsunamis nor earthquakes in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. However, tsunamis will happen again in this coast, therefore the authorities and the coastal communities must be prepared. Historical records of tsunamis allow to foresee what can happen in future tsunamis.

Keywords: Tsunami; Caribbean; North Panama Deformed Belt; Costa Rica; Historical Tsunamis