During the passage of that tropical wave, at least 17 emergencies related to floods, overflowing rivers were reported. - National Emergency Commission photo - |
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Published on Tuesday, August 3, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The National Emergency Commission alerted about an increase in rains and the passage of tropical waves during the green season. The new tropical wave, the 21th of the rainy season, is crossing the country between Tuesday and Wednesday. According to the commission, during the passage of the previous tropical wave (the number 20) between Sunday and Monday, at least 17 emergencies related to floods, overflowing rivers were reported in places such as Valle La Estrella and Talamanca in Limón Province. Green Alert was set for the Greater Metropolitan Area (includes cities surrounding San José such as Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago) and the central and southern zone of Pacific Coast in Puntarenas Province. This alert is given when it is anticipated that a meteorological phenomenon endangers a specific area in the country. Yellow Alert status is in place for the Caribbean Coast in Limón Province and the northern zone of Alajuela Province. This alert prepares rescue forces for an increased danger of a natural phenomenon that may impact the population in a specific region. There is no alert established yet for Guanacaste Province. The rains in July left many people in shelters, which since then have been closed. People have returned to their homes or have settled in the homes of their relatives. Currently, there is only one shelter open in Sarapiquí Canton, Heredia Province where protection and food are being given to 8 people. According to the commission, 18,700 food packages, 6,000 blankets, 6,000 mattresses and more than 3,500 containers with drinking water were delivered to people living in the areas most affected by the strong thunderstorms registered in July. Officers of the Air Surveillance Service, SVA, brought food by helicopters donated by the U.S. government to the people in the indigenous territories that were affected by the heavy rains and massive floods. The government created a Decree of National Emergency to hasten the aid in 14 cantons over damages caused by week-long thunderstorms and floods. Specialists forecast that a strong current of trade winds, also known as Easterlies, is expected to enter on Tuesday. This natural phenomenon is the permanent east-to-west prevailing winds that flow in the Earth's equatorial region. The natural phenomenon could allow a decrease in the rains during Tuesday. However, authorities call on the public to take the following precautionary measures to avoid emergencies: » Avoid tourist or sports activities in rivers (located in Emergency zones) such as swimming, diving, rafting, canyoning, river bugging, kayaking, cliff jumping, fishing, sailing among others. » Stay informed about the alerts issued by the authorities. » People living in mountain areas should increase precautionary measures against a possible landslide or material falling from the high areas of the hills. » Have an emergency evacuation plan in the community, work and home. » Drivers must increase precautions for heavy rain and fog. » Take precautionary measures in case of electrical storms. » Be alert in vulnerable areas to flooding due to sewer saturation or increase of river flow. » In case of a thunderstorm, take refuge in a safe place. » In case of strong wind gusts, be alert to possible falling tree branches or electrical cables. » In the event of a landslide, do not walk on the debris, stay away from affected areas, and do not return home until authorities verify that it is a safe place. Authorities ask for the people in Costa Rica to call 911 to report any possible flooding, fallen trees or landslides. A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to share this alert with their contacts. ------------------------ What emergencies have been reported in your community caused by the rains? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com Real Estate
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