  The increase in rainfall is due to the crossing of the Intertropical Convergence Zone over the country. - A.M. Costa Rica wire services photo - |
||
       |
 Published Wednesday, August 26, 2020 Alert
on more thunderstorms due to
the Intertropical Convergence Zone By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The National Emergency Commission announced Orange, Green and Yellow Alerts, due to the increase in rains and thunderstorms in the last hours. This product of atmospheric riots that will cause heavy rains from today and until this Friday, mainly in areas declared as Orange Alert. Orange Alert status for northern zone of Alajuela Province, and Pacific Coast ( Guanacaste and Puntarenas Provinces). This alert is established when high-risk situation can cause an emergency to the people in a specific area. Yellow Alert status for the Greater Metropolitan Area (includes cities surrounding San Jos้ such as Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago). This alert serves as an announcement for the rescue forces to prepare for an increased danger of a natural phenomenon that will affect the population in a specific region. The Green Alert was established for the Atlantic Coast (Limon Province). This is given when it is anticipated that a meteorological phenomenon endangers a specific area in the country. The authorities activate the community's emergency commissions to take action due to the danger related to the alert.  According to the report of the National Meteorological Institute, the increase in rainfall is due to the crossing of the Intertropical Convergence Zone over the country. The Intertropical Convergence Zone, known by sailors as doldrums or the calms due to the dull, windless weather, is the area where the northeast and southeast trade winds converge. The zone appears as a band of clouds, usually, thunderstorms, circling the globe near the Equator. According to the institute, from Tuesday and for the next few days, the Intertropical Convergence Zone will be located over Costa Rica, causing constant rainfall mainly in the Pacific Coast regions, where the more accumulated amounts of rains are reported. On Tuesday, thunderstorm downpours were recorded along the Pacific Coast. In the southern zone, rainfall amounts between 50-75mm and maximums of 100-150mm were recorded. In the Central Coast, rainfall amounts between 40-50mm and maximums of 80-90mm were recorded. In the northern zone, rains were recorded with estimated amounts between 30-50mm and maximums of 60-70mm. One of the most affected areas is the Nicoya peninsula and the surroundings of the Papagayo Gulf, said the specialists. In the GAM, rains were registered with amounts between 25-40mm and a maximum of 50mm, as well as fog during the evenings. In the Caribbean Coast, rains were recorded with estimated amounts of up to 30-40mm and maximums of 60-70mm. According to the commission, at least 25 alerts were reported on Tuesday requiring the attention of Firefighters, the Red Cross and officials of the local emergency committees. Most of the alerts were related to floods, landslides and falling trees. "Events were attended in the area of San Carlos and the Pacific Coast, as well in Parrita, Garabito," said Sigifredo P้rez, chief of operations of the commission. Specialists from the National Emergency Commission recommend that to avoid accidents, damage to structures and emergencies, make sure to: Keep the roof of your house clean. Clear a path in the backyard allowing rainwater to move without problems towards the drainage, which helps to avoid damages and leaks in the house. Pick up the garbage so that it does not fall on the pipes or drains on the sidewalks. Avoid that solvents, oils, acids or corrosive liquids that can fall into the sewer pipes and deteriorate them. Organize the cleaning of public areas such as river banks in your community to avoid flooding. Report the lack of concrete caps or grids in the pipes to the Aqueduct Institute by calling 2547-6555. Authorities call on the public to take the following precautionary measures: 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 for when 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 you heard of due to the thunderstorms in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
|
         |
  |
|
|
|
  |
