GRMA Geological Hazard Report for Costa Rica

The Global Risk Modelling Alliance (GRMA) programme, in collaboration with Costa Rica’s Superintendencia General de Seguros (SUGESE), is pleased to announce the publication of the Geological Risk Assessment Report. Prepared by Ingeniar CAD in joint venture with CIMNE, this report was developed under the framework of the GRMA technical assistance to strengthen Costa Rica’s disaster and climate risk assessment capabilities. It was reviewed and validated with the participation of national experts and institutions engaged in the Technical Working Group led by LANAMME/ECG, marking another key milestone in Costa Rica’s pathway toward comprehensive, data-driven risk management.

Highlights of the Geological Risk Report:

Comprehensive Review of Existing Data and Models:
The report evaluates current datasets and models related to landslides, volcanic hazards, and seismic hazards, identifying the most suitable probabilistic models for Costa Rica’s context. It emphasizes the need to harmonize and update these resources using higher-resolution local data.

Model Selection and Technical Recommendations:

• Landslides: The GIRI-CDRI model is identified as the most robust probabilistic framework, to be refined working together with LANAMME/ECG for improved spatial resolution and local calibration.
• Volcanic Hazards: Probabilistic models from the CAPRA Project (2008) for Turrialba and Irazú volcanoes are recommended r application, with proposed updates integrating recent information and finer-scale topography.
• Seismic Hazards: The ASLAC regional model (Amenaza Sísmica para Latinoamérica y el Caribe) is recognized as the most comprehensive and up-to-date reference for Costa Rica’s seismic risk assessment.

Capacity Development and Local Collaboration:
The report highlights the implementation of a training module on geological hazards and risk modelling, engaging Costa Rican professionals through virtual courses and applied exercises focused on landslides, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

This deliverable establishes a solid analytical foundation for the next stages of GRMA’s support to Costa Rica, reinforcing the country’s capacity to model, assess, and manage geological risks.