No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaCosta Rica under 'State of National Emergency' after flooding

Costa Rica under ‘State of National Emergency’ after flooding

The Costa Rican government on Tuesday declared a State of National Emergency as the country continues to recover from significant flooding and infrastructure damage that occurred over the weekend.

The emergency declaration “will allow the State to meet urgent needs” by expediting financial and material resources to the most-affected areas, the Presidency explained. 

Specifically, 14 cantons were significantly affected by flooding and/or landslides: San Carlos, Upala, Guatuso, Río Cuarto, Los Chiles, Turrialba, Jiménez, Sarapiquí, Limón, Matina, Pococí, Guácimo, Siquirres and Talamanca.

“We are in the response phase for immediate emergency care and in the temporary rehabilitation phase of vital services to protect community and family life. This is done with resources from the National Emergency Fund and the institutions that make up the National Risk Management System,” said Alexander Solís, president of the National Emergency Commission (CNE).

More than 2,000 people remain in temporary shelters due to flooding, authorities said Tuesday.

The following weather alerts remain in effect:

  • Red Alert (widespread emergency response): San Carlos, Upala, Guatuso, Turrialba, Matina, Limón, Talamanca and Sarapiquí.
  • Orange Alert (localized emergency response): The rest of the Huetar Caribe Region, Huetar Norte Region.
  • Yellow Alert (precautionary measures): The Central Valley.
  • Green Alert (informative measures): Chorotega Region, Central Pacific Region and Brunca Region.
The different socioeconomic regions of Costa Rica. The different colors in this image do not correspond to the current weather alerts. (Photo via Slideshare.)

Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency in Costa Rica. English-speaking operators are available.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Food Culture: From Bar Bocas to Fast Food Chains

Once upon a time in Costa Rica, you could walk into a bar, order a beer, and receive a free boca – a small...

Costa Rica Opens New Pedestrian Bridge at Guayabo National Monument

Costa Rica has added a new attraction to its archaeological sites with the opening of a pedestrian bridge at Guayabo National Monument. The structure...

Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano Park Reopening to Tourists With Safety Measures

The Poás Volcano National Park will reopen its doors to tourism starting July 30, after  scientific entities reported a decrease in volcanic activity. This was...

Costa Rican Lottery Official Investigated in Money Laundering Case

Another money laundering case has shaken Costa Rica. Following a series of raids that dismantled a laundering network operating through legal and illegal lottery...

A Closer Look at the Elusive Purple Gallinule in Costa Rica

Quick! Think of a purple bird! It’s a little difficult, right? I searched my brain and came up with a purple martin. A small...

Cosby Show Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies in Costa Rica Drowning Accident

Malcolm-Jamal Warner passed away at 54 from an accidental drowning. He gained fame as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," playing the son in...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica