Costa Rica: Flooding and associated disruptions ongoing across the country as of Nov. 7

Flooding and landslides caused by heavy rainfall and the overflowing of rivers are ongoing across Costa Rica as of Nov. 8. The worst affected province is Guanacaste. As of Nov. 8, authorities have reported at least one flood-related fatality in San Diego de Tres Rios in the canton of La Union in Cartago Province due to a landslide. One person remains missing in San Sebastian District in San Jose Province after being swept away by a river. Over 160 people have been displaced from flood-affected areas, mostly in Guanacaste Province; authorities have established five emergency shelters in Buenos Aires de Puntarenas, Santa Cruz, Carrillo, and Nicoya. Many roads are impassable, hampering evacuation operations. Floods have damaged at least 100 homes in Santa Cruz Canton and 35 homes in Nosara and Samara de Nicoya cantons in Guanacaste Province.

Rainfall is forecast to persist over the country in the coming days. Additional rain will likely exacerbate the situation, causing more flooding and landslides. Authorities could issue further mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will likely cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.