Costa Rica Earthquake-Thursday January 8, 2009 1:44 p.m. local time.
Magnitude 6.1
Emergency road and bridge closures from the
department of transportation updated 4:30 p.m. MST Tues. Jan 20. Click the 
closure or advisory 
symbols on the map above or the listings under locations to the right for the latest conditions.
The epicenter was in a relatively sparsely populated region about 35 km northwest of the capital San Jose. Unfortunately there was still significant damage and tragically loss of life. Approximately 200 homes were damaged or destroyed and over 1,000 people were displaced to shelters in the region. 91 injuries have been reported so far and the death toll currently estimated at 19 may rise as 23 people are still missing.
Some of the local hotels and other businesses that were affected are shown. Most have not yet updated their status.
The most detailed and objective current information on the relief efforts is available on reliefweb.int
If You'd Like to Contribute to Relief Efforts
Bank Transfer to the Cruz Roja
If you know how to do an international wire transfer through your bank you can donate directly to the red cross in Costa Rica. They have a bank account that specifically accepts US$ donations:
Account #: 68666-7
Account name: Cruz Roja Costarricense
Bank: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica
Bank address.:Avenidas 1 y 3, Calle 4, San José, Costa Rica.
SWIFT: BNCRCRSJ
Online, Mail and Phone Donations
If you'd like to donate by check or Credit Card the Organiztion For Tropical Studies of Duke University has set up channels to simplify the process for those less familiar with the intricacies of Central American Banking.
For those who may not be familiar with them, the OTS operates the La Selva Biological station about 25 km north of the epicenter and is intimately involved in the community. They will make certain that 100% of the money goes where it is needed most including to the Cruz Roja.
From OTS newsletter 1/15/2009
"If you would like to help with this relief effort, please make a contribution to the OTS Earthquake Relief Fund. The La Selva Biological Station is working directly with the Red Cross in the area and Deedra McClearn, La Selva Station Director, is coordinating our support efforts to local agencies providing people with much needed food, water, housing, and medical supplies. 100% of your donation will be used to support earthquake recovery and relief efforts.
To support this fund, you can:
1. Click Here to Donate Securely Online (please type Earthquake Fund in the comments section)
2. Donate by mail: Please make checks out to OTS and write "Earthquake Fund" in the memo field.
Organization for Tropical Studies
Duke University
410 Swift Avenue
Durham, NC 27705
3. Call 919-684-5774 (United States office) or 506-2524-0607 (Costa Rica office) to make a donation by phone."