The National Commission for Emergencies (CNE) reported approximately 500 people and 20 pets were staying in emergency shelters Monday as Costa Rica continued responding to flooding in the country’s Caribbean and Northern regions following heavy weekend rains.

CNE said people had been taken to shelters in several affected areas. The shelters were established by municipal emergency committees and are being supplied with food, medical care, beds and blankets. Those staying in the refuges were rescued from their homes as flooding affected their communities.

According to authorities, the areas hardest hit by flooding include the cantons of Matina, Cariari, Río Jiménez, Talamanca, Siquirres, Guápiles and Valle La Estrella, all in Limón Province. Other affected areas include the cantons of La Fortuna and Guatuso in San Carlos, Alajuela Province, and the canton of Sarapiquí in Heredia Province.

The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) also issued an emergency order suspending classes at more than 900 public education centers, including elementary schools, high schools, universities and public academies, in areas affected by the flooding.

The closures affect areas of Limón Province, northern Alajuela Province, northeast Cartago Province, northern Heredia Province and northern San José Province. The ministry published the complete list of closed schools on its website.

Meanwhile, the Electricity Institute (ICE) reported that about 2,400 homes were without electricity because of damage to the power grid caused by the heavy weekend rains.

Authorities urged residents to take several precautions during the rainy season, including:

• Avoid rivers and lakes during periods of heavy rain.

• Monitoring mountainous areas for landslides and falling debris.

• Residents in flood-prone communities are urged to review evacuation plans.

• Drivers were warned to watch for flooding, slippery roads and reduced visibility.

• Remain alert for strong winds that could bring down trees or power lines.

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid using electronic devices during lightning activity.

• Call 911 to report flooding, landslides or fallen trees.

Costa Rica has a tropical and subtropical climate with two primary seasons. The dry season, commonly referred to as summer, typically runs from December through May. The rainy season extends from June through November and generally coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season.

The CNE recently issued an alert for parts of the Pacific Coast due to an anticipated reduction in rainfall. However, meteorologists cautioned that the arrival of tropical waves can still trigger periods of heavy precipitation across much of the national territory.

The U.S. Embassy in San José recently issued a warning to American citizens visiting Costa Rica to take extra precautions during the country's rainy season.

CNE works in partnership with communities and emergency responders to strengthen the nation’s preparedness, response, and recovery from natural hazards.

The MEP oversees Costa Rica's public education system and implements policies and programs to ensure access to free basic public education nationwide.

The MOPT is responsible for enforcing traffic regulations and promoting road safety nationwide.

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