National Emergency Commission (CNE) in Costa Rica declared the red alert for the counties of Sarapiqui, Turrialba, Matina and Talamanca due to the saturation of the floors in these regions.

The counties of Guatuso and San Carlos are now under yellow alert.

President Carlos Alvarado will be joining the meeting of the Emergency Operations Center (COE) this Tuesday and will then be doing an aerial assessment through some of the affected counties and finally will travel by ground to Siquirres and Turrialba to meet with the Municipal Emergency Commissions to learn about the degree of the damages and most urgent needs.

Sarapiqui and Matina, along with Talamanca and Turrialba are the most affected counties.

“Due to the severe damages in this communities and the forecast of more rains in the Caribbean and Northern Zone, we have intensified the attention and protection of the affected communities”, commented Alvarado, “during the weekend I was in constant communication with the Vice-President of the Republic, Marvin Rodriguez and the President of the National Emergency Commission, Alexander Solis. I also participated virtually in the COE and was in touch with the mayors of Limon, Siquirres, Turrialba, Matina, Talamanca and Pococi”, stated the President.

Over 15 thousand people have been affected due to floods, road closures, landslides, etc. So far, a total of 1,563 people have required attention and have been transferred to 21 temporary shelters.

Route 32 connecting Limon to San Jose remains closed while the National Roads Authority (CONAVI) continues the work to clear the different landslides that maintain this road closed.

The Meteorological Institute expects the rain to continue at least through Thursday and recommends precaution specially in vulnerable areas.