SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) – A strong 7.9 earthquake rocked Costa Rica on Wednesday, rattling buildings and cutting power in some areas of the capital of San Jose, a Reuters correspondent and the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The quake hit close to Samara, a coastal area on the Pacific some 151 kms (94 miles) from the capital city. A Caribbean-wide tsunami watch is in effect, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

(Reporting By Isabella Cota and Liz Diaz; Editing by Vicki Allen)