The 2009 Cinchona earthquake occurred at 1:21:35 pm local time on January 8 with an Mwc magnitude of 6.1 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX ( Violent).

[6] Most of the victims died when a landslide occurred near the La Paz waterfall by the Poás Volcano, and 452 people including 369 tourists were evacuated from the area in helicopters.

[8] The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (National Emergency Commission) requested private helicopters to help with the aid.

[10] Additionally, the United States and Colombia dispatched helicopters with aid to assist with the relief and recovery efforts.

[5] On January 12, President Oscar Arias declared a five-day period of national grieving out of respect for the victims, and asked the organizers postpone the Fiestas de Palmares, which is Costa Rica's largest and most anticipated festival that lasts for a fortnight every January.