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Published Monday, August 31, 2020
More than 800 people in shelters after
thunderstorms, while new tropical
wave approaches
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The National Emergency Commission took in 847 people among 21 shelters located in communities on the Pacific Coast and the northern zone of Guanacaste Province due to the heavy thunderstorms during the weekend.
The commission maintains the Orange, Yellow and Green alerts, due to the passage of the tropical wave (number 32 of the green station) that crossed the country during the weekend and the proximity of the new tropical wave during the week.
According to the specialists of the Meteorological Institute, the parameter of intense rains could continue due to the approach of the new tropical wave heading towards Costa Rica. This would be number 33 of the green station.
Orange Alert status is in place for the northern zone of Alajuela Province, and Pacific Coast (Guanacaste and Puntarenas Provinces). This alert is established when a high-risk situation can cause an emergency to the people in a specific area.
Yellow Alert status is in place for the Greater Metropolitan Area (includes cities surrounding San José such as Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago). This alert serves as a warning 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 put in place 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 Commission's report, 18 communities, mainly in Guanacaste Province were affected and 12 municipal emergency committees had to be enacted.
Tropical Storm number 32 began to cross the country on Saturday but most of the emergencies were registered on Sunday due to the accumulation of water and the overflowing of rivers that caused floods, damaged houses and landslides.
However, first responders warn that increases in rainfall are still expected, which generally occur during September and October. These are the periods with the highest peaks in rainfall records in the country.
Also, the Red Cross reported having mobilized seven emergency vehicles, rescue vehicles and even a boat, to attend to the people affected by the floods. Added to this is the mobilization of specialists from the Land Search and Rescue Unit.
The places most affected by the rains are the north and the Pacific coast of Guanacaste province, and the central area of the Pacific Coast, in communities of Puntarenas, Garabito, Parrita and Quepos.
Concerning the new tropical wave number 33, the specialists reported that the weather phenomenon is in the eastern of the Caribbean Sea heading to the north.
The National Hurricane Center, NHC, indicates a development potential in a tropical depression of 50% in the next 48 hours and 60% in 5 days.
"According to the latest analysis, tropical wave number 33 will be approaching Costa Rica in the middle of the week, between September 2 and 3 (Wednesday and Thursday)," the weather forecast reported in its statement. "Due to its possible position and strengthening, a high probability of indirect influence towards our country is estimated, which can generate an increase in rainfall in the national territory."
Specialists from the National Emergency Commission recommends that to 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.
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What emergencies have you heard of caused by the thunderstorms in your community? We would
like to know your thoughts on this story. Send
your comments to news@amcostarica.com
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