Southern Zone Update: Quake Check, New ER Specialist, Palmar Flood Works & More

Emma Bennett

5 days ago

4 min read

Every few weeks we round up the news that matters if you're thinking about buying or moving to Pérez Zeledón or Costa Rica's Southern Zone. This edition: how the region handled a big earthquake next door, more emergency-room capacity in San Isidro, new flood protection near Palmar, an easier way into Corcovado, and a tax reminder for anyone planning to rent out a property.

1. A 7.7 earthquake in Panama was felt strongly in the south — with no major damage in Costa Rica

On Friday, October 9, a powerful earthquake struck Panama (reported at magnitude 7.6–7.7). OVSICORI said it was felt strongly in southern Costa Rica and moderately in the rest of the country. According to La Nación and Infobae, damage in Costa Rica was minimal: small objects fell in border communities such as Laurel and Ciudad Neily, with no structural damage or injuries reported. Authorities ruled out a tsunami threat for Costa Rica, and experts say aftershocks may continue for weeks.

Why it matters: Earthquakes are part of life anywhere on the Pacific Ring of Fire. When you buy, ask about construction type and permits, confirm the home was built to Costa Rica's seismic code, and get an independent inspection. It's also a good time to follow the CNE and OVSICORI for official alerts.

2. Pérez Zeledón's hospital gets a new emergency specialist

The CCSS (Costa Rica's public health system) assigned 20 new specialists to Southern Zone hospitals, six of them to Hospital Fernando Escalante Pradilla in San Isidro de El General — including an emergency-medicine specialist, TV Sur reported. The hospital handles about 600 emergency visits a day and its ER has run at up to 300% of capacity. Regional health officials say it needs at least 10 emergency specialists; it currently has three, plus the hospital director.

Why it matters: More specialists is welcome news, and the numbers give an honest picture of demand on public hospitals in the south. Many expats combine CAJA coverage (required for legal residents) with private insurance and San Isidro's private clinics for faster non-emergency care.

3. ₡2.6 billion in flood protection for Ciudad Cortés and Palmar

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has completed three protection works along the Balsar and Grande de Térraba rivers in Ciudad Cortés and Palmar, in Osa. The investment totals ₡2,614 million (roughly US$5.8 million at current exchange rates) and benefits about 6,200 residents, according to TV Sur.

Why it matters: The Térraba-Sierpe lowlands are among the most flood-prone areas in the region. If you're looking at land near any river in the Southern Zone, ask for flood history, look at elevation and drainage (including road culverts), and have your attorney check zoning and protected-area limits before you commit.

4. New boat link: Sierpe – Drake Bay – Corcovado's Sirena Station

Starting November 1, 2026, a new maritime route will leave Sierpe at 5:00 a.m., stop in Drake Bay at 6:00 a.m. and reach Sirena Station in Corcovado National Park at 7:00 a.m. The return leaves Sirena at 12:45 p.m. and arrives back in Sierpe at 2:45 p.m. A round trip costs US$50 plus VAT; one-way transfers are US$25 plus VAT (TV Sur).

Why it matters: Same-day access to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth is a real lifestyle perk for Osa residents, and it may bring more visitors through Sierpe and Drake — worth noting if you're considering a vacation rental there. Park entry and guide rules are separate, so confirm with SINAC before you go.

5. Planning to rent out your property? Know the tax rules

A Tico Times report (October 3) found Costa Rica has about 360,000 rented homes but only 32,373 registered rental-income taxpayers, and former Finance Ministry officials are calling for closer review. Under current rules, rental income is taxed at 15% after a standard 15% deduction — about 12.75% of gross rent — and filed monthly through the TRIBU-CR platform. Home rents above ₡693,300 a month (about US$1,500) also carry 13% VAT.

Why it matters: If rental income is part of your plan, build these taxes into your numbers from day one and register correctly. A local accountant (contador) is money well spent.

Also in PZ: On October 11, Pérez Zeledón hosted its first GFNY Gran Fondo, an international road-cycling event with routes of about 86 and 115 km through five districts of the canton — another sign of the area's growing outdoor-sports scene.

Thinking about Pérez Zeledón or the Southern Zone?

Browse our current listings or get in touch with the Morpho team. We're local, bilingual and happy to answer questions about any of the topics above.

Sources

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Figures, schedules and prices come from the sources listed and may change. Please confirm with the relevant official agency or a licensed professional before making decisions.