Red Alert on Pacific Coast as Flooding Worsens:

Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) has issued a red alert for the Pacific coast as severe flooding and heavy rains continue. The rest of the country is still under an orange alert, while the southern Caribbean is under a yellow alert.

This heightened alert follows forecasts that intense rainy conditions are expected to continue throughout the week. “Rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days, especially along the Costa Rican Pacific coast. In addition, there is significant soil saturation in much of the country,” the CNE said.

In just six days, Guanacaste has recorded rainfall totals typically equivalent to the entire month of November. “In some areas, rainfall levels have been 8, 9 or even 10 times higher than the usual amount in November. If the average monthly rainfall is 130 millimeters, in some areas even 900 millimeters have fallen in just six days,” explains meteorologist Daniel Poleo.

Many areas are experiencing unprecedented levels of rainfall, with the North Pacific Ocean particularly affected. “It was an exceptionally rainy month, which explains the numerous incidents in Guanacaste and the South Pacific,” Poleo added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has extended the suspension of classes nationwide for the rest of the week, citing dangerous weather conditions. “This decision has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our educational community,” an EP spokesperson said. As of Tuesday, 114 schools were affected by flooding and damage, with several schools in the hardest-hit areas now serving as shelters for evacuees.

Costa Rica’s iconic national parks have also been hit by the persistent rains, with some forced to close temporarily due to saturated soils and the risk of landslides. Chirripó National Park and La Amistad International Park (PILA) will be closed from today, Wednesday, until Monday, November 18. Corcovado National Park, Caño Island Biological ReservePiedras Blancas National Park, Golfito National Wildlife Refuge and Ballena Marine National Park are also closed from November 13 to 17. The Prussian sector of Irazú Volcano National Park is closed until November 14 due to a landslide.

These closures and disruptions underscore the severity of the weather conditions currently affecting Costa Rica. Visitors are advised to stay abreast of weather forecasts and exercise caution when traveling in the affected areas.