Heavy rains cause flooding in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific region

Heavy rains in recent days have caused flooding in Costa Rica in some 20 communities in the country’s southern Pacific region, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) reported Wednesday.

Communities in the cantons of Corredores, Golfito, Osa and Buenos Aires have been severely hit by floods, prompting the intervention of Municipal Emergency Committees.

Floods broke the main aqueduct in Buenos Aires, cutting off the drinking water supply to most of the population. Staff from the Water and Sewer Institute is distributing water in tankers while the aqueduct is repaired.

A total of 11 communities have been affected by flooding in Corredores. Heavy showers hit Los Castaños, Coto 44, Pangas, Central Campesina, Estrella del Sur, La Chanchera, La Campiña, El Barrido, Vereh, Cuatro Bocas and Altos de San Antonio, which is currently stranded due to severe damage to all major roads.

Five communities are facing flooding in Golfito: Coto 63, La Esperanza, Río Lagarto, Palo Seco and Puerto Jiménez.

CNE officials also reported some problems in Osa, mostly due to the Térraba River overflowing its banks.

CNE officials are coordinating emergency measures, including distribution of food and other basic supplies. They are also scouting locations for potential temporary shelters and conducting daily inspections of rivers in the region.

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) forecasts continued rains in the southern Pacific region in coming days.

IMN experts say heavy rains are unusual for November, and that by now the country should be transitioning to the dry season.

Despite the extended rainy season, IMN reported that only the Caribbean region will end the year with a surplus of rainfall. All other regions of the country are expected to record a deficit.