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Since
the rainy season started on
May, the commission reported
the increase of heavy rains
due to the presence of the
Intertropical Convergence Zone
(ICZ) over the country.
/ National
Commission of Emergencies
courtesy photo
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Commission
of Emergencies declares green
alert
for whole country due to new
tropical storm
By the
A.M. Costa Rica staff
The National Commission of
Emergencies has declared a green
alert for the whole country due
to a new tropical storm, number
6 of the rainy season, that is
crossing the country this week
with a high risk of floods,
landslides and the overflow of
rivers.
Since the rainy season started
on May, the commission reported
the increase of heavy rains due
to the presence of the
Intertropical Convergence Zone
(ICZ) over the country.
The ICZ, known by sailors as the
doldrums or the calms because of
its monotonous, windless
weather, is the area where the
northeast and southeast trade
winds converge. The zone appears
as a band of clouds, usually
thunderstorms, that encircle the
globe near the Equator.
Variation in the location of the
ICZ
drastically affects 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 ICZ the can
result in severe droughts or
flooding in nearby areas.
Commission officials call on the
population to increase security
measures. They say:
- Be vigilant, mainly in areas
with vulnerability to flooding
due to sewer saturation,
increased flow in rivers and
places with a high propensity to
a landslide.
- If there is an electrical
storm, take shelter in a safe
place.
- If you notice strong gusts of
wind, be aware of possible
falling tree branches, power
lines and others objects.
- In the case of electrical
storms, close doors, and
windows.
- Disconnect electrical
equipment, because the lightning
can lead to discharge through
the cables. Televisions are
particularly dangerous in those
cases.
- Avoid bathing or using the
sink because metal pipes can
transmit electricity
- If you are in the pool, leave
immediately and take refuge
inside a building.
- Avoid being in tall structures
such as towers, trees or roofs.
- Drive with the windows closed.
- Turn on the vehicle's lights
in case of heavy rain.
- Move away from the edges of
rivers, sewers, bridges.
In case of emergency, call 911
to inquire about the nearest
shelter and notify the
authorities.
The A.M. Costa Rica team calls
on readers to share this alert
among their contacts.
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Have you had an
emergency because of the rains
in your community? We
would like to know your thoughts
on this story. Send your
comments to: news@amcostarica.com
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