Several areas of Guanacaste have suffered the consequences of the heavy rains caused by the tropical depression that formed in the western Caribbean Sea and that is having an indirect effect over the country, keeping most of the territory under red alert.

So far it has been the province of Guanacaste which has reported the most problems, with floods, mudslides and several overflowing rivers.

Images show several affected communities Cañas, Bagaces, Hojancha, Santa Cruz including areas commonly visited by tourists like Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, Hermosa and Carrillo, Liberia and others that are home to many expats as is the case of Nosara.

In Nosara, it was the Nosara River that overflowed, leaving several people trapped in their homes who are currently receiving the help of firefighters and members of the National Emergency Commission.

Some streets are currently closed due to floods and mudslides and shelters are now operating in Carrillo, El Coco and Filadelfia. The road that communicates Nicoya and Santa Cruz is only open for emergency vehicles.

Problems with the electricity have also been reported and the authorities confirmed seven EBAIS health centers (Basic Equipment for Comprehensive Health Care) affected in the counties of Santa Cruz, El Coco, and Carrillo.

In total this Wednesday afternoon the emergency services had attended 43 emergencies, 27 of them in Guanacaste and 10 in Puntarenas.

National Parks have closed their doors until Saturday and public schools in the areas affected have canceled classes for the rest of the week.

The National Emergency Commission and the Red Cross ask the general population and tourists to stay in areas that are safe, away from rivers or areas that have been declared in danger of mudslides by the local emergency committees.

Take preventive measures in the event you have to evacuate, prepare an emergency kit that contains a first aid kit, matches, candles, flashlights, clothes, water, cash, copies of personal documents, canned or packed food, and basic hygiene products.