Emergency response officials in the canton of Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, set up 11 overnight shelters to aid more than 700 people who were forced to leave their homes due to flooding from strong rains that hit the region in the last 72 hours. At least 300 more are staying with relatives or friends.
The National Emergency Commission (CNE) on Thursday issued a green alert for the entire Pacific coast and the Central Valley, and set up warehouses with food supplies in Guanacaste’s cantons to assist affected families.
Local authorities reported 34 communities are affected, with at least 200 houses flooded throughout Santa Cruz. Municipal engineers are assessing the condition of three bridges in cantonal routes at: Portegolpe, Hacienda Santa MarÃa and Santa Rosa.
A swelling Andamojo River, which had isolated the communities of Lagarto, Marbella, Venado, Ostional and San Juanillo, now has begun to subside, which will allow rescue brigades from the Red Cross, firefighters, public security forces and CNE officials to deliver assistance to affected residents in those communities.
A forecast from the National Meteorological Institute states that the low pressure system affecting the country remains stationary in front of the Costa Rican Caribbean coast, but is expected to weaken through Saturday.
