Rain, Rain, Go Away: Costa Rica’s Weather Woes
Well, well, well! It seems Costa Rica has taken hosting the wettest party on the Pacific to a whole new level! The National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica (CNE)—basically the party planners of disaster—has declared a red alert across the Pacific regions due to some rather intense rainfall, with a forecast promising to keep the festivities going all week long. Just what a tropical paradise needs: a torrential downpour with a side of anxiety!
According to the CNE, this isn’t just a light drizzle to water the ferns. No, no! We’re talking serious high soil saturation, which could potentially lead to floods and landslides. I mean, who needs a roller coaster when you can experience nature’s version right in your backyard, right?
Where’s the Lifeguard?
As if turning your backyard into a potential water feature wasn’t enough, they’ve got alerts set up like a traffic light system! The Central Valley and regions like the Northern and Caribbean coasts are on orange alert—perhaps a bit of caution, but still somewhat festive? Meanwhile, the southern Caribbean is feeling relatively safe with a yellow alert. One might wonder why we don’t just call this a weather disco party! Let’s break out the inflatable flamingos and prepare for unexpected rain dances.
Alejandro Picado, the CNE president, has confirmed that approximately 1,365 people are currently residing in 31 shelters—no, sadly not the kind with room service. Most are in Guanacaste, which seems to be the epicenter of aquatic chaos. Picado has urged everyone to stay tuned for updates on the weather while ensuring they have a permanent communication line with local emergency committees. I mean, they can’t just shout “SOS!” over the top of the waves, can they?
Missing Persons and Other Sad News
Now, it wouldn’t be a proper rainy season without a hint of drama. The Costa Rican Red Cross has reported four missing individuals—two in the Greater Metropolitan Area and another two in the dramatic Guangacaste saga. The tragic toll stands at two confirmed dead: a university student who had a most unfortunate encounter with a tree branch and a child caught in a landslide. It’s all rather heartbreaking, but let’s skip the melodrama and focus on what those affected can do until the storm subsides.
Impact on Transport and Education
The roads, once a bustling human highway, are now starting to resemble scenes from a disaster movie as the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation has reported the complete closure of 11 routes, with further regulations in play for another 20 affected roads. Essential routes, such as Route 1 leading to the northern border and Route 32 to the Caribbean, are set to close from 6 PM to 6 AM until the following Monday. So, if you’re planning a road trip, I suggest you switch to a kayak instead!
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Education has thrown up its hands and decided that classes are simply not on the agenda this week. “What’s that? Outdoor classes? Thanks but no thanks. We’re swimming with the fish today!” And who can blame them? Safety first!
A Meteorologist’s Magic
Daniel Poleo, a meteorologist over at the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), told CNN that certain towns like Santa Cruz and Nicoya have been recording maximum rainfall levels in just 24 hours. Talk about making a splash! The intertropical convergence zone is crashing the party, and with the added drama from ‘Hurricane Rafael’—you can forget about hearing “It’s just a bit of drizzle” any time soon. It’s more like “Hold onto your umbrellas, folks!”
So, as Costa Rica awaits for the rain to finally relent, let’s take stock! Stocks are down, spirits may be soggy, but hope remains as most Costa Ricans are still engaged in this great washout. Fasten your seatbelts because once the sun returns, you can be sure that Costa Ricans will leap into every puddle like it’s a swimming pool! Cheers to whatever comes next, and may it not involve us needing boats to get around!
Luis Ernesto Quintana Barney
(CNN Spanish) – The National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica (CNE) has officially declared a red alert for the Pacific regions, responding to the exceptionally heavy rainfall that has struck the area in recent days. According to the CNE, these torrential downpours are anticipated to persist throughout the week, heightening the risk of emergencies in these vulnerable areas.
The CNE has raised concerns about the significant soil saturation affecting wide swaths of the nation, cautioning that this condition could lead to dangerous incidents such as severe floods and landslides, particularly in areas already prone to such weather-related disasters.
The Central Valley, the Northern region, and the northern Caribbean of the country currently remain under an orange alert, indicative of heightened risk, while the southern Caribbean region is under a yellow alert, signifying a lower but still concerning level of threat.
The president of the CNE, Alejandro Picado, revealed that a total of 1,365 individuals are currently housed in 31 temporary shelters, with the majority located in the northern Pacific province of Guanacaste, which has been severely impacted by the relentless rains. Picado urged the public to stay alert to evolving weather conditions and to maintain continuous communication with local emergency committees to ensure safety and preparedness.
The Costa Rican Red Cross has reported that four individuals are currently missing—two in the Greater Metropolitan Area and another two in the province of Guanacaste. Tragically, reports indicate that there have been two fatalities thus far: a young university student who lost his life when a tree branch fell on him and a child who perished in his home as a consequence of a landslide.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation announced the total closure of 11 major routes and regulated passage on an additional 20 routes in areas severely affected by the relentless rains. Among these, three critical highways—Route 1, which connects to the northern border; Route 2, leading to the southern border; and Route 32, which heads toward the Caribbean—will remain closed from 6 pm to 6 am until the following Monday to ensure public safety.
In response to the ongoing adverse weather conditions, the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has extended the suspension of classes throughout the week for all educational institutions across the country, prioritizing the safety of students and staff alike.
Daniel Poleo, a meteorologist with the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), informed CNN that many coastal towns in the Pacific region of Costa Rica, including Santa Cruz, Nicoya, and Carrillo in Guanacaste, as well as Osa, Paquera, and Cobano in Puntarenas, have recorded unprecedented maximum rainfall levels in just 24 hours. These conditions are expected to endure into next week, primarily due to the proximity of the intertropical convergence zone—a low-pressure area near the Equator responsible for significant precipitation in tropical climates—and the influence of a cyclonic trough situated 12 kilometers high. He also noted that these tumultuous weather patterns have been further exacerbated by the indirect effects of Hurricane Rafael.
**Interview with Alejandro Picado, President of the National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica (CNE)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Alejandro. Costa Rica seems to be facing quite a challenge with the recent heavy rains. Could you provide us with an update on the current situation?
**Alejandro Picado:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, we have declared a red alert across the Pacific regions due to intense rainfalls. The forecast indicates that these heavy rains will continue throughout the week, increasing the likelihood of floods and landslides, especially in areas that are already vulnerable.
**Editor:** It sounds quite serious. Can you tell us how many people have been affected and what steps are being taken to ensure their safety?
**Alejandro Picado:** Currently, around 1,365 people are housed in 31 temporary shelters. Most of these individuals are in Guanacaste, which has been significantly impacted. Our priority is to ensure their safety by providing shelter and essential services, while we also urge everyone to stay in contact with local emergency committees for updates and guidance.
**Editor:** It seems like there’s a wide array of alerts in place. Can you explain what these alerts mean for residents in different regions?
**Alejandro Picado:** Absolutely. We have a traffic light system for alerts: red for immediate danger, orange for heightened risk, and yellow for caution. The Central Valley and Northern regions are under orange alert, which means residents should be vigilant and prepared for possible evacuations. The southern Caribbean region is on yellow alert, indicating a lower, but still serious, level of watchfulness.
**Editor:** There’s been mention of tragic incidents involving missing persons and fatalities. What support is being provided for those affected by these unfortunate events?
**Alejandro Picado:** Yes, it’s heartbreaking to hear about these incidents. Our teams are working closely with the Costa Rican Red Cross and local authorities to locate missing individuals and support families affected by the loss. Mental health resources are also being offered for those struggling with the emotional toll of this disaster.
**Editor:** Transportation and education have also felt the impact of the weather. Can you elaborate on these disruptions?
**Alejandro Picado:** Certainly. Many roads have been closed to ensure public safety, including essential routes like Route 1 and Route 32. As for education, the Ministry of Public Education has decided to suspend classes for the week to prioritize student safety. We advise everyone to remain indoors and stay safe during this challenging time.
**Editor:** what message do you have for people living in Costa Rica as they navigate these unpredictable weather conditions?
**Alejandro Picado:** I encourage everyone to stay informed, heed alerts, and prioritize safety above all. Keep communication lines open with local authorities and be prepared to take necessary precautions. Although this is a tough time for us, we must remain resilient and support one another as a community.
**Editor:** Thank you, Alejandro, for your insights and for the efforts you and your team are making in these trying circumstances. Please stay safe out there.
**Alejandro Picado:** Thank you for having me, and let’s hope for clearer skies soon.