By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The National Emergency Commission announced Tuesday the increase in green precautionary alert zones due to the increase in rainfall.

According to the authorities, a more urgent yellow alert applies to the Province of Guanacaste and the northern part of the country.

The green alert covers the rest of the country, including the Province of Limón on the Caribbean coast.

According to the authorities, in the last 24 hours, heavy rains have been reported in 31 cantons, and five temporary shelters were enabled in Santa Cruz de Guanacaste and on the Nicoya peninsula.

In the shelters are 85 people who were living in areas at risk of flooding and landslides.

In addition, authorities report more than 25 roads have been damaged due to flooding.

On Monday, as A.M. Costa Rica previously reported, the authorities announced the entry into the country on a new tropical depreciation which has caused thunderstorms, river flooding and landslides due to soil saturation.

"The population is alerted to be vigilant mainly if they live near rivers or areas prone to landslides and landslides," said commission officials in its statement. "It is also recommended to comply with the instructions of the authorities and in case of an emergency call 9-1-1."

According to Alexander Solis, president of the commission, the areas of the North Pacific coast and the Nicoya Peninsula have received much rainfall Monday.


Among the most affected areas has been Ostional Beach, where the Association of Local Guides reported the overflow of the Ostional River, causing flooding in the turtle debris area. In addition a car was dragged by the river's current.

According to the report of the association, the two occupants of the car managed to get out of the vehicle by their own means and reach a safe area.

According to a report from the La Cruz fire station Monday morning an emergency call came about two people who had been dragged along the river while driving near a bridge. However, by the time the rescue units arrived, the two people had already managed to get out of the vehicle and reach the riverbank by their own means.

The health status of both was reported stable so it was not necessary to transfer them to a hospital, the firefighters said in a report

According to the report of the National Meteorological Institute, the low-pressure system that is on the country is associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone and that provides a strong moisture contribution to cause of the increase in rainfall.

The convergence zone, known by sailors as the 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, that circles the globe near the Equator.

Variations in the location of the convergence zone drastically affect the rainfall in many equatorial nations, resulting in the wet and dry seasons of the tropics rather than the cold and warm seasons of higher latitudes. Longer-term changes in the convergence zone can result in severe droughts or flooding in nearby areas.

Due to the current conditions, people should be alert, especially in areas of high risk due to floods, landslides, or strong wind gusts, said officials. Specialists recommend:

 - Be alert in vulnerable areas to flooding due to sewer saturation, increased river flow and landslides.

 - 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.

 Authorities ask the public to call 911 to report any possible flooding, falling trees or landslides. More updated information can be found at the National Weather Institute of Costa Rica site.

Internationally, the U.S. National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Depression Fifteen, located near the northeastern Cabo Verde Islands. According to the specialist, on Wednesday afternoon.

The A.M. Costa Rica team asks readers to share this alert among their contacts.


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Have storms caused any damage or emergencies in your community?   We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com 

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