Authorities closed Route 32 again on Friday afternoon after a fresh landslide hit the highway, disrupting travel between the Greater Metropolitan Area and the Caribbean coast. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation reported the incident around 2:20 p.m., just hours after reopening the road at 10:15 a.m.
The closure stems from heavy rains tied to cold front No. 14, which has swept across the country since Thursday. Landslides at kilometers 27 and 28 blocked the route late Thursday night, forcing drivers to seek alternatives. Officials keep the highway under close watch, especially in the Zurquí mountains, where rain heightens risks.
Drivers face longer trips via other paths, adding to frustrations for commuters and freight haulers. The ministry advises checking updates before heading out, as conditions change quickly. The cold front brings more than road issues. Temperatures drop sharply through Sunday, with strong winds, thick clouds, and rain in spots. The National Meteorological Institute predicts gusts up to 50 km/h in the Central Valley and 70 km/h in the North Pacific.
In the Caribbean, the Red Cross handles multiple calls for help. Flooding struck the Laguna de Los Taylor area in Sixaola, where teams used boats to rescue people from the overflowing Sixaola River. By noon Friday, rescuers evacuated 23 individuals, including 20 children. Talamanca officials deal with fallen trees on local roads, flooded homes, and rising streams. They call on residents to avoid trees, signs, power lines, and flood-prone zones. Strong waves add to the hazards along the coast.
The National Emergency Commission issued a green alert Thursday for the Central Valley, Northern Zone, North Pacific, and Caribbean Slope. President Alejandro Picado noted the alert covers most of the country, sparing only the Central and South Pacific. The measure aims to prepare communities for impacts.
This weather pattern follows cold front No. 13, which lingered into early February with similar effects. Experts say these systems push cooler air south, leading to unstable conditions.
Local economies feel the strain. The Caribbean relies on Route 32 for goods and tourism, and repeated closures slow business. Residents in affected areas report property damage and disrupted routines. Authorities promise to reopen the highway once crews clear debris and confirm safety. For now, patience remains key as teams work through the night.
