The National Meteorological Institute has informed about the possibility that Tropical Depression #17 will transit through the country as of the early hours of this Wednesday, July 18, which could intensify the rainfall in the Caribbean and North Zone.

“It is important to consider that the floors are still saturated in the Caribbean, and for this reason precaution is recommended in the presence of any amount of rainfall. Extreme precaution is recommended in the counties of Sarapiqui, Pococi, Guacimo, Guapiles, Matina, Limon, Talamanca and Turrialba as well as surrounding areas”, states the press release.

The Government announced that considering this forecast the priority will be the intervention of river beds and banks, dredging and the repair of damaged dikes, in the most affected counties.

President Alvarado asked the different Emergency Commissions and authorities to immediately attend to the urgent situations of the affected communities, but projecting solutions to the future with the purpose of reducing the effects of these natural phenomenon over the population.

“This event presented rains that are way over the average for the month of July, in a little over one day the rainfall was the equivalent to that of an entire month. The rainy season is just beginning, and we must take this into consideration. Costa Rica is a country susceptible and vulnerable to these types of natural phenomenon increased by climate change, so the entire country must be alert to the messages and information given by the National Emergency Commission and the National Meteorological Institute. What used to be handled as an “emergency” or an “extraordinary event” is becoming more common. We must know and educate ourselves to handle these situations because they are not exceptional, they are recurring (…) My message in the different communities today has been to attend the emergencies, but work towards risk management, focus on prevention and permanent solutions and not just work of mitigation done over and over again”, expressed the President during a press conference.

“We are capable of carrying Costa Rica forward, I believe in this country, but we need a progressive tax system”, insisted Alvarado, “there is no development without the effort of everyone”.

Over one thousand people remain in temporary shelters.

The Costa Rica Electricity Institute has managed to reestablished electricity to 99.8% of the affected users and 78% of the telecommunication failures.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) continues to work to reestablish transit through the roads affected. According to MOPT and the National Roads Authority (CONAVI) the damages in the different roads in the country are estimated in close to $12 million.