President Oscar Arias yesterday ordered a national state of emergency in the wake of violent weather that caused floods, landslides and even a tornado last week.
The decree was signed in Belén, one of several Central Valley cantons that suffered flooding. It gives the National Emergency Commission (CNE) more control and resources to reconstruct the area's infrastructure and homes after the week of brutal weather.
“Above all, I want to thank the selfless volunteers who work for the commission, which is a demonstration of solidarity with the rest of Costa Ricans,” Arias said.
Presidency Minister Rodrigo Arias said that since CNE's budget comes from 3% of each public institution's budget, he would order all institutions to make sure their payments to the commission are up to date.
An estimated 300 homes were damaged by a tornado that hit Alajuelita, south of the capital, last week. Around the Central Valley, 250 homes have been “severely damaged” by flooding and several bridges have been washed out by heavy rains, according to a statement from the CNE.
The National Emergency Commission (CNE) is maintaining a green, preventive alert for the Central Valley, southern Pacific coast and southern Caribbean.
The commission has put the southern San José district of Desamparados under a yellow alert, and a red alert remains in place in Alajuelita. The Central Valley cantons of Belén, Flores, and Alajuela are also under a red alert because of potential flooding, according to CNE spokesman Reinaldo Carballo said. |
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