 |
  This natural phenomenon could increase the intensity of the rains due to the proximity of the country with the Intertropical Convergence Zone. - National Emergency Commission and A.M. Costa Rica illustrative photo - |
|||
|
Published Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Wave crossing the country By the A.M. Costa Rica staff A new Tropical Wave, the #46 of the green season, entered on Monday afternoon. It is expected to continue to cross the country on its trajectory towards the Pacific Ocean today. This natural phenomenon could increase the intensity of the rains due to the proximity of the country with the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The Intertropical 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. Due to this, the National Emergency Commission established a Green Alert in the Northern and Central Pacific Coast, Northern Zone, Caribbean Coast and Central Valley. The Green Alert was first established for the Caribbean Coast (Limón Province). This is given to the region in the country where it is anticipated of a meteorological phenomenon endangering that specific area. The authorities activate the community's emergency commissions to take action due to the danger related to the alert. According to the National Meteorological Institute, heavy downpours have been generated with maximum points of 110 mm of accumulated rain in Liberia in Guanacaste Province. As for the Central Valley, so-called GAM, maximum accumulated rainfall amounts between 15-25 mm have been registered. The Greater Metropolitan Area or GAM is the area made up of cities in the outskirts of San José such as Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. The weather forecast predicts more rains on the Pacific Coast. Thunderstorms are expected in the central area of Guanacaste, the high areas of the Central Pacific Coast and the areas near the border with Panama. Heavy downpours are expected for these regions, with an estimated between 20-60 mm. Downpours and thunderstorms are expected in the mountains of the Caribbean Coast and the northern zone of the country. The accumulated rainfall is estimated between 15-40 mm. Specialists from the National Emergency Commission recommend that in order to avoid accidents, damage to structures and emergencies during the green season where there is a strong increase in rainfall throughout the country, 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 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
|
|||
