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    Photo via National Emergency Commission.
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Published on Tuesday,
December 10, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Helicopters from the Aviation Program, donated by the United States Embassy Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to the Ministry of Public Security's Air Surveillance Service, were crucial in transporting aid to remote communities hit by heavy rains.
Sarapiquí
was one of the areas most affected by a
cold front last week which
brought heavy rains.
According to the National Emergency
Commission (CNE) over
2,000 flood and landslide emergencies were
responded to
throughout the country's northern zone.
Officials
noted that more than 1,500 people were
taken to shelters, receiving medical
attention and food.
The
helicopters flew about 10,500 kg of cargo
with relief for people, including food and
medication, in locations where land access
is difficult due to flooding and
landslides.
CNE reports that food has been given to over 600 families in that region.
In November, the U.S. donated $125,000 in emergency supplies and has supported numerous search and rescue efforts in flood-affected towns around the country. In 2019, the INL donated four Bell UH-1ST helicopters to the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security's Air Vigilance Service (SVA). Furthermore, the U.S. funded an Air Training Program for Costa Rican pilots to combat narcotrafficking, air and marine criminal activity, and to aid in natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) is the government agency responsible for ensuring citizen security, preserving public order, forming police units, and coordinating anti-crime initiatives. The National Emergency Commission (CNE) works with people and emergency professionals to strengthen, sustain, and enhance the county's ability to plan for, defend against, respond to, recover from, and reduce any potential hazards.
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