Strong rains bathing the Northern Zone have led the National Emergency Commission (CNE) to declare a green, preventive alert for some cantons in this area, where about 30 people were forced to abandon their homes to seek shelter from flooding Tuesday night, according to a statement posted on the commission's Web site.

The alert applies to the cantons of Upala, Los Chiles, Guatuso and San Carlos.

Emergency workers are monitoring water levels in these areas, especially near the community of Santa Clara, where the Niño and Guacalito Rivers flooded about 60 homes, the statement said. They're also waiting for water levels to go down to assess damage to the Cabezas bridge, which is “on the verge of collapsing,” the statement said.

The commission will maintain the green alert as long as heavy rains put residents at risk and is also keeping its eye on the Caribbean coast, where heavy rains are setting in.

-Tico Times