Published Thursday, May 21, 2020


Green alert widens by a tropical
wave crossing the country

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Authorities of the National Emergency Commission extended the Green Alert, because the first tropical wave of the green season will cause a pattern of heavy rains this week.

A green alert is given when it is anticipated that a meteorological phenomenon endangers a specific area in the country.

According to the Commission, an increase in rainfall is expected in the Sarapiquí Canton, in the northern area of Heredia Province.

The Green Alert now includes the provinces of Guanacaste, Puntarenas, San José and the Canton of Sarapiquí.

"In the middle of a pandemic this is not a good scenario," said Alexander Solís, president of the Commission. "Because these phenomena may cause floods that affect families who should be relocated to shelters."

The alert will allow local emergency committees to be wary of weather conditions, keep monitoring the sectors of highest risk, and report the inventory of supplies available to serve the population in case of a major crisis.

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 evacuation emergency 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 asked the public to call 911 to report any possible flooding, fallen trees or landslides. Avoid any type of controlled fire because high winds could cause a small fire to become ablaze quickly.

According to the Costa Rican Red Cross who monitors the department, this week they have been attending emergency calls due to floods, but no cases of damage to homes or people have been reported.

A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to share this alert with their contacts.



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Have you noticed an increase in rainfall this week in your community?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com