Costa Rica: Over 170,000 remain displaced from flooding July 16

Event

Heavy rainfall lashed Costa Rica on Friday, July 13, and Saturday, July 14, causing flooding that forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from their homes. As of Monday, July 16, some 173,000 people remained displaced from the flooding across the country.

On Monday, July 16, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) issued "red" weather alerts (highest alert level, signaling the mobilization of emergency responders, evacuation of people from affected areas, and the opening of temporary shelters) for the cantons of Turrialba (Cartago province), Matina (Limón province), Talamanca (Limón province), and Sarapiquí (Heredia province) due to the recent significant rainfall. Landslides have forced the continued closure of 16 roads in the country, notably including Route 32 which connects the center of the country to the Caribbean coast. Further heavy rainfall is forecast to affect the Caribbean and Northern Zone regions of the country in the coming hours. Further flooding and traffic disruptions are possible in affected areas of Costa Rica in the coming days as recovery efforts continue.

Context

The rainy season typically lasts from late May until early November in Costa Rica.

Advice

Individuals present in Costa Rica are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities, monitor weather forecasts, and anticipate transportation disruptions and potentially hazardous conditions in affected areas.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.