Costa Rican rescue crews are searching for a woman who disappeared after a sudden surge of water swept away a group of visitors near Rincón de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste. The emergency happened yesterday in the area of the Oropéndola waterfall in Curubandé de Liberia.
According to the latest information from the Costa Rican Red Cross, six people were swept away by what is known locally as a cabeza de agua, a sudden and potentially dangerous rise in the level and force of a river or stream. Five of the people managed to get out of the water on their own. An adult woman remained missing as rescue teams searched the area.
The Red Cross sent several emergency vehicles to the scene, including three basic life-support units and an operational vehicle, while additional resources were coordinated to assist with the search. Initial reports had indicated that approximately 10 people might have been involved. However, the Red Cross later updated the figure to six.
A cabeza de agua can occur when heavy rainfall upstream causes a river or stream to rise rapidly, sometimes even when little or no rain is falling where visitors are located. The sudden surge can bring a sharp increase in water level and current strength with little warning, making waterfalls, swimming holes and river crossings particularly dangerous.
The incident comes during a period of unpredictable weather in Costa Rica, with tropical waves and high atmospheric moisture producing heavy rainfall in parts of the country. The area surrounding Rincón de la Vieja has also been under increased attention because of recent volcanic activity.
However, there is currently no indication that yesterday’s incident at Oropéndola was caused by volcanic activity. Authorities have previously warned communities near the volcano about lahars, which are flows of water, mud, rocks and volcanic material that can move rapidly through river channels following eruptions or heavy rainfall.
Those volcanic hazards should not be confused with yesterday’s reported sudden water surge unless authorities establish a connection. The incident also highlights the risks associated with rivers and waterfalls during Costa Rica’s rainy season. Conditions at a swimming area can change quickly because rainfall several kilometers upstream can send a surge downstream before people near the water realize what is happening.
Visitors are advised to pay attention to weather conditions, follow instructions from local authorities and guides, and leave rivers or swimming areas immediately if the water begins rising rapidly, becomes unusually muddy or starts carrying branches and other debris.
Search efforts for the missing woman were continuing according to the latest information available as of this morning.
