National Emergency Commission issues another preventive alert for the Caribbean and Northern zones

Increased rainfall in the early hours on Thursday prompted the National Emergency Commission (CNE) to declare a green, or preventive, alert for those two regions for the second time this month.

Rains and strong gusts on Thursday afternoon caused falling trees and downed power lines in San Juan de Cariari, Limón.

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) forecast that an increase in trade winds will mean continued rains in the Caribbean region throughout the weekend, but the strongest showers are expected in the Northern Zone.

Heavy rains also are expected in several communities in the Central Valley, particularly mountainous areas, but also in the province of Cartago.

Moderate showers are expected in the Central and South Pacific, with intermittent rains in the North Pacific.

CNE’s preventive alert was sent to local emergency committees, firefighters, Red Cross, National Police and other agencies that will be monitoring the situation, mostly in the Caribbean cantons of Pococí, Guácimo, Matina and Central Limón, as well as Sarapiquí in Heredia and Turrialba, east of Cartago.

Intense rainfall and surging rivers this week caused flooding in 30 communities across the country and prompted the evacuation of 22 people in Sarapiquí and 20 in Guácimo, Limón, the CNE reported. Last week, 30 people were evacuated in the Limón towns of Matina and Pococí.

Meteorologists recommend residents in areas prone to flooding to remain vigilant both in the Northern Zone and the Caribbean.

They also warn drivers in mountainous areas in Limón and San Carlos to take precaution over the weekend as current soil conditions increase the possibility of landslides. Roadway visibility and slick roads also could be a concern.