5.5 Aftershock in Costa Rica Causes Panic

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica —  A strong aftershock hit Costa Rica on Wednesday, causing panic among a population already shaken by Monday’s powerful earthquake, which killed at least 54 people, injured hundreds and left thousands homeless. No new injuries were reported.

The magnitude 5.5 aftershock struck about 1:15 p.m. and was centered at the city of San Isidro de El General, about 100 miles southeast of San Jose, the capital.

Buildings were ordered evacuated in San Jose during the aftershock, one of more than 2,400 since Monday’s quake.

As relief workers searched for bodies and survivors from Monday’s quake that shattered parts of Costa Rica and Panama, finding food and shelter for the homeless had become the biggest problem for both nations.

The Monday earthquake that rocked Costa Rica and Panama had a magnitude of 7.4. Twenty-six of the dead were in Costa Rica. As of Wednesday, there were 28 confirmed dead in Panama. Hundreds were injured and thousands more lost their homes.

U.S. and Nicaraguan helicopters Wednesday flew into remote areas of Costa Rica’s hard-hit Atlantic coast and other areas near the Panamanian border searching for additional victims and assessing emergency relief needs.

The World Bank authorized $80 million in loans for road repairs but Costa Rican President Rafael Angel Calderon said at least $170 million would be needed to do the job.