Severe floods hit Costa Rica

Heavy rainfalls, affecting parts of Costa Rica for the last two days, have caused strong floods across the country and a landslide in San Rafael de Naranjo, media reported on October 29, 2015. 2 people have died and at least 125 flood related incidents have been reported so far.

Torrential downpours strongly affected Costa Rica, bringing floods to at least 11 cantons in the country. Affected areas include Desamparados, Aserri, Alajuelita, Escazú, Montes de Oca, Tibás, Goicoechea, Cartago, Alajuela and Heredia, according to the National Emergency Commission (CNE). The Costa Rica capital, San José has also been affected by severe weather conditions.

Video credit: Prensa Libre

More than 60 mm (2.4 inches) of rain was reported to fall in a 24 hour period in the San José city, according to the city's mayor, Sandra Garcia. The recorded precipitation is more than a double average daily amount. Santa Barbara de Heredia measured 75 mm (2.9 inches) of rain, while San Pedro de Montes de Oca reported 65 mm (2.6 inches) of rainfall.

Two victims have been reported so far, according to media reports, one of which drowned in flood waters in Paramo de Peret Zeledon, and another in a landslide in San Rafael de Naranjo. 7 families have been forced to leave their homes near the Maria Aguilar river in the La Puñalada de Sagrada Familia area.

Featured image: Flooded streets of San José, October 27, 2015. Image credit: Prensa Libre