WEATHER ALERT: Heavy rains prompt preventive alert for communities in southern San José

Increase in rainfall in recent days has severely affected soil stability in seven communities south and southwest of the Costa Rican capital, prompting the National Emergency Commission (CNE) on Saturday to declare a green, or preventive, alert for possible landslides.

The CNE is monitoring seven hilly areas in the communities of Santa Ana, Escazú, Desamparados and Alajuelita, where soil displacement caused by rainfall has increased the risk of landslides.

CNE officials said that heavy showers that have fallen over the capital recently could cause sudden mudflows and river swells, placing nearby communities at risk.

The hills that are most affected by rains are Tablazo in Desamparados, Tapezco in Santa Ana, Burío in Aserrí, Pacacua in Mora, Lajas in Escazú, La Cascabela in Alajuelita and Chitaría in Santa Ana.

The preventive alert is a reminder for municipalities and local emergency crews to be prepared, CNE authorities said.

October usually has the most severe rains during Costa Rica’s rainy season, which runs from May to November.