Latest news in Costa Rica? September 13th, 2026

Seismic Activity in the Southern ZoneFour earthquakes exceeding magnitude 4.0 struck Costa Rica’s South Pacific margin over a 32-hour span, headlined by a magnitude 5.1 tremor centered near Golfito. While authorities reported no structural damage or casualties, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) emphasized caution due to water-saturated soils and ongoing landslide risks across alerted regions. The Tico Times+ 1Independence Day PreparationsThe country is finalizing nationwide arrangements to celebrate 205 years of independence on Tuesday, September 15. Municipalities and traffic authorities are coordinating logistical plans for traditional student lantern parades (desfile de faroles) and holiday road closures, alongside weather precautions typical for the peak of the rainy season. ticotimes.netNational Security & Defense DebatesDiscussions continue in political circles following recent statements from the administration of President Laura Fernández regarding closer security cooperation with the United States to counter regional narcotics trafficking networks. Al JazeeraInfrastructure ChallengesCrucial transit corridors remain disrupted, with Route 1 at Cambronero facing extended closures to carry out bridge repairs, diverting freight and passenger traffic along alternative mountain and coastal routes. ticotimes.netLegislative DevelopmentsLawmakers in the Legislative Assembly have introduced a measure seeking to ban conversion therapy practices nationwide, sparking debate among human rights advocates and conservative factions. ticotimes.net