President Laura Fernández-Delgado issued a decree Monday declaring a state of emergency in several cantons in northeastern Costa Rica affected by recent flooding.

The decree allows the National Emergency Commission, known as the CNE, to take action to assist people affected by the flooding and make structural improvements in areas damaged by heavy rains following the passage of Tropical Waves No. 32 and 33, which affected the country from Aug. 12 to 17.

The emergency declaration covers the cantons of Limón, Pococí, Siquirres, Talamanca, Matina and Guácimo in Limón Province. It also includes Guatuso in Alajuela Province, Turrialba in Cartago Province and Sarapiquí in Heredia Province.

According to the CNE, the affected areas recorded soil saturation levels ranging from 80% to 100%. The flooding damaged bridges and roads, knocked down electrical utility poles and affected water supply and sewer systems, homes, clinics, schools, stores, municipal buildings and other infrastructure.

The emergency declaration includes response, rehabilitation and reconstruction phases to address damage to infrastructure. The CNE will oversee the planning, direction, control and coordination of those efforts.

The CNE recently issued an Orange Alert, the third-highest level on Costa Rica's emergency alert scale, for northern areas of Alajuela, Heredia and Limón provinces.

The alert reflects the continued risk of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. It requires emergency response teams to remain on high alert and prepared for worsening conditions.

Authorities also issued a Yellow Alert for San José, Cartago and Puntarenas provinces. A Yellow Alert, the second level in Costa Rica's emergency warning system, indicates that emergency response agencies should prepare for a potentially significant natural event.

As of Tuesday, authorities had not issued a weather alert for Guanacaste Province.

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.

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