Magnitude 5.9 quake hits near Costa Rican capital

SAN JOSE: A moderate 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook Costa Rica's capital on Friday, startling residents and knocking items off shelves but causing no significant damage.

Some people fled their houses, alarmed by the quake that struck 30 miles (45 km) from San Jose. The tremor occurred at a depth of 60.9 miles (98 km), the U.S. Geological Survey said.

While earthquakes of that magnitude can cause significant destruction, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damaged buildings.

"We have no reports of damages," Vanessa Rosales, the head of the country's emergency services organization said.