Tears of devastation overtook many residents of the eastern province of Cartago yesterday as they cleaned up the wreckage from floodwaters that swept over the province Wednesday.
About 300 families in Cartago lost most of their possessions after the overflowing Reventados River gushed through the cantons of La Lima, El Guraco and Quircot, according to a statement from the National Emergency Commission (CNE).
Heavy rains continuing through yesterday led the commission to declare a red alert for the cantons of El Guarco and the center of Cartago.
About 200 people spent Wednesday night in temporary shelters set up by the commission, while others abandoned the flooded area to stay with family members elsewhere.
The commission has contracted machinery to help clean up Cartago and has dispatched geologists and engineers to evaluate damage caused by the “avalanche of water” that washed over the province. Food, water, blankets and other supplies are also being distributed.
CNE president Daniel Gallardo lamented Wednesday's flooding as a consequence of poor urban planning that has allowed for construction on top of riverbeds.
A similar tragedy occurred in 1963, and since then dikes have been built in Cartago to prevent flooding. However, construction on top of riverbeds, and even on top of the dikes, has rendered them virtually useless. |
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