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 Specialists said that these storms have been the strongest rains recorded in the country since 1978. - National Emergency Commission photo - |
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Published on
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff President Carlos Alvarado enacts the Presidential Decree of National Emergency in 14 cantons over damages caused by week-long thunderstorms and floods. Specialists said that these storms have been the strongest rains recorded in the country since 1978. The Air Surveillance Service flew over Limón and Turrialba to analyze the damage. A segment of the video released by the authorities can be seen on the AM Costa Rica YouTube channel. The decree expedites the process of administering resources to the people living in the areas affected by the massive landslides and flooding. According to Alexander Solís, president of the National Emergency Commission, the decree puts into action a plan allowing for a faster system to purchase resources needed to aid those in need in the impacted area. The decree allows the Commission to evaluate the situation of the affected communities to prepare the General Emergency Plan. The plan includes determining the required budget for reconstruction of infrastructure damage. The funds are from the National Emergency Fund. In addition, extra funding from other public institutions could be used. According to Alvarado, if the actual emergency fund does not have enough money to cover the emergency plan, it could be used as part of the savings achieved in the payments of the country's debt. And, if necessary, request a loan from an international bank. The decree applies in the following 14 cantons. » Turrialba, Jimenez in Cartago Province. » Los Chiles, Upala, Guatuso, San Carlos and Rio Cuarto in Alajuela Province. » Sarapiqui in Heredia Province. » Matina, Pococi, Limon city, Guacimo, Siquirres, and Talamanca in Limon Province. According to data from the National Emergency Commission, as of Monday, 2,960 emergencies were reported caused by floods, landslides, destruction of roads and houses. As of Tuesday, 57 shelters were enabled to attend to more than 3,000 people who lived in the Red Alert cantons. Red Cross reported, two people died in a flood.  On Friday, 6 people were reported missing after heavy storms. Two of them were found alive. Two were found dead, a 60-year-old man and a 65-years old woman. The victims' bodies were found in Siquirres Canton and Caño San José District. Authorities did not provide the names of the victims. Two people continue missing.  Last week, the Commission established a Red Alert in the following eight cantons: Upala, Guatuso, San Carlos in Alajuela Province; the canton of Sarapiqui in Heredia Province, in Turrialba Canton of Cartago Province; and the cantons of Matina, Limon city and Talamanca in Limon Province. As for the rest of Costa Rica, specialists ordered an Orange Alert in the rest of the Limon Province, the cantons of Rio Cuarto and Los Chiles in the northern zone of Alajuela Province. The alert is activated when the high-risk situation can cause an emergency to the people in a specific area. Green Alert was set in the provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste. This alert is given when it is anticipated that a meteorological phenomenon endangers a specific area in the country. Yellow Alert status is in place for the Greater Metropolitan Area (includes cities surrounding San José such as Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago). This alert prepares rescue forces for an increased danger of a natural phenomenon that will affect the population in a specific region.  The Meteorological Institute reported another tropical wave is crossing over the county today. This is the 19th wave of the green season, which is bringing more rains on the next 24 hours into the Caribbean Coast and the South Pacific Coast, the Central Pacific Coast and the Great Metropolitan Area, according to specialists.  According to data from the Commission, as of Monday, 2,960 emergencies were reported caused by floods, landslides, destruction of roads and houses. In the 57 shelters more than 3,000 people who lived in the Red Alert cantons continue to receive aid. As people prepare for rains and possible damages, everyone must remain alert to avoid scams and frauds attempted by those taking advantage of the misfortune of people impacted by the weather, according to a government campaign. Authorities set up a unique and official Google form, Humanitarian Aid Offering site, to coordinate donations. Donors must include their contact information and indicate the type of donation, such as: food, clothing, health products, transportation, among others. Once form is submitted, officers authorized by the Commission will be in contact to coordinate the delivery of the donations. Donations of food, medicine kits and clothes will be collected at all 216 Walmart supermarkets across the country. As well as in the malls Avenida Escazú, City Mall, Escazú Village, Lincoln Plaza, Mall Multicentro, Mall San Pedro, Mango Plaza, Multiplaza Curridabat, Multiplaza Escazú, Oxygen, Paseo de las Flores, Paseo Metrópoli, Plaza Bratsi, Plaza Real, Terrazas Lindora and Terramall. Authorities call on the public to take the following precautionary measures: » Avoid tourist or sports activities in rivers such as swimming, diving, rafting, canyoning, river bugging, kayaking, cliff jumping, fishing, sailing among others. » 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 gusts of wind, 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 been reported in your community caused by the rains? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com             
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