Alert

Costa Rica - No. 46/2008

Geneva, 28 November 2008

Costa Rica Caribbean coast in state of emergency

The Cost Rica National Commission of Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNDE) declared a state of national emergency on 26 November 2008 in the cantons of Limón, Sarapiquí, Talamanca and Matina, following the intense rains that have affected the Caribbean coast of the country for the past several days.

The CNDE reported damage to 35 roads because of rising rivers and landslides. The critical situation began 24 November in the early morning hours when four landslides blocked traffic on the Braulio Carrillo highway, which connects San José with Guápiles. Several roads had to be closed following the overflow of the river. Additionally, a bridge collapsed in Playa Negra, which provides access to Puerto Viejo de Limón. Damages also were reported to dikes that protect the localities of Millas, Zent Viejo and Placeres, located in the canton of Matina.

An estimated 116 communities currently find themselves isolated. Some of them do not have phone communication. This situation has made assessment of damage and needs as well as delivery of relief items difficult for first aid work teams.

The CNDE reports that the number of people displaced in shelters has risen to 5,000, with centers open in the cantons of Talamanca, Matina, Siquirres, Sarapiquí and Pococí. This number does not include the population from the communities left inaccessible, who could not be evacuated to shelters.

Communities have been affected by the flooding of their homes and fields. They are also experiencing landslides and a lack of potable water as the majority of the communities are supplied by well. The CNDE and the Costa Rican Red Cross are currently sending water in trucks to communities accessible by land. Some relief items are being brought by helicopter to communities inaccessible by land.

Since the rain continues to pour and it is likely that more communities are going to be affected, ACT member Lutheran Church in Costa Rica (ILCO), is currently monitoring the situation with the government and community leaders in Sixaola. It is considering sending a request for support from the ACT Rapid Response Fund.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org).

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ACT is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide. The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.