Geologists from the National Emergency Commission (CNE) warned on Monday that erosion and landslides will continue to effect homes on the margins of the Pacacua river and at the bottom of the Chitaría hill in Santa Ana, west of San José, throughout October.
The CNE asked residents in the area to “pay close attention” to the hills above their homes and prepare for a quick evacuation if necessary. Aid crews have been displaced in the zone and will assist with possible emergencies.
During a flyover on Monday, specialists from the CNE determined that the landslides and erosion will not effect nearby Ciudad Colón.
On Monday, 248 people – 82 in Santa Ana – remained in six temporary shelters across the country after last week’s severe rain forced residents out of their homes. Other evacuees stayed at shelters in San Juan de San Ramón, Atenas and Pavas, all west of San José.
The CNE calculates that 95 sections of highway have been closed, 20 bridges have been damaged and 21 aqueducts have been affected due to last week’s intense rain and landslides. The damages are spread across 40 of Costa Rica’s 81 cantons.
The CNE has issued a green alert for the remainder of the rain season, which meteorologists forecast will be rainier and last longer than average in all parts of the country.
