Costa Rica is on high weather alert as a tropical cyclone approaches, threatening continued rainfall until Sunday. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) issued a warning Thursday morning about the intensification of Tropical Depression No. 19, located off the coast of Honduras, approximately 590 km from Puerto Limón.
A Growing Threat
The latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicate that this depression could evolve into a tropical storm in the coming hours, indirectly impacting Costa Rica.
In the past 12 hours, Pacific regions have already recorded rainfall accumulations of 40 to 110 mm in areas like Liberia, Paquera, and Santa Cruz. Other regions, such as the Central Valley and the North, are also affected but to a lesser extent, with precipitation levels between 5 and 15 mm.
Skies Heavy with Rain
The IMN predicts showers of varying intensity throughout the day, especially in the central and southern Pacific regions and Guanacaste. The Central Valley will experience cloudy skies, moderate evening rain, and showers in higher-altitude areas. The northern and Caribbean zones will also see showers and thunderstorms, particularly in low and coastal areas.
Flood and Landslide Risks
Due to high soil saturation levels, reaching 85 to 100% in some regions, the risks of flooding and landslides are increasing. Authorities urge the public to heed precautionary measures: monitor river levels, stay vigilant in high-risk areas, avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms, and seek shelter during strong gusts.
Rain Accumulation Forecast
- North Pacific: 40 to 100 mm, with peaks reaching 150 mm
- Central Pacific: 30 to 80 mm, up to 120 mm
- South Pacific: 40 to 100 mm, with a maximum of 150 mm
- Central Valley: 5 to 30 mm, with peaks of 50 mm
- Caribbean: 15 to 50 mm, with a maximum of 80 mm
A Survivor’s Story Amid Rising Waters
Flooding in Guanacaste caused by tropical wave #46 has devastated several regions. Doña Alicia Obregón, one of those affected, describes her experience as a true ordeal. « It was a nightmare seeing the river overflow like that, » she shared.
Doña Alicia Obregón has taken refuge for the past six days at the Santa Cruz High School in Guanacaste, seeking safety as she waits for the situation to normalize. She lives in the small village of Los Churucos, in the Limón neighborhood of Tempate, Santa Cruz.
« You never think something like this could happen, » she explained. « Last Friday, it started to rain very hard. I’ve lived in my home for 20 years, it’s my own, close to the En Medio River. When Hurricane Otto passed, the river overflowed, but nothing like this. What happened this time was devastating.”
Ongoing Vigilance
The Emergency Management Commission has maintained an alert status, including a red alert for the entire Pacific coast, in response to current climate risks.
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