COSTA RICA QUAKE SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 – POWERFUL 7.9 EARTHQUAKE IN COSTA RICA, TSUNAMI WATCH ISSUED BUT LATER CANCELLED

A powerful 7.9 earthquake rocked northwestern Costa Rica on Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey.

The major quake struck at 8:42 a.m on the Costa Rican coast, about 38 miles from the town of Liberia.

A tsunami watch is in effect, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Update: THE earthquake’s magnitude is reduced to 7.6, according to USGS. Tsunami watch is cancelled.