About 60 people were forced to leave their homes and seek shelter yesterday in the Northern Zone and Caribbean after heavy rains saturated these regions.

In light of continuing downpours, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) yesterday issued a yellow alert for the entire Caribbean province of Limón; the Northern Zone cantons of Upala, San Carlos, Los Chiles and Guatuso de Alajuela; and Sarapiquí de Heredia, north of San José, according to a statement from the commission.

A merging of light winds and a cold front blowing in from Nicaragua has produced these cloudy skies and strong rains.

The commission has set up shelters in communities hit with flooding Tuesday including the Caribbean-slope areas of Sarapiquí and Las Vueltas de La Tortuga and the Northern Zone area of San Carlos.

Rains also damaged the bridge over Río Santa Fe in the Northern Zone running from San Carlos to Aguas Zarcas, according to a statement from the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT).

This road is closed to drivers, but an alternative road has been established for light vehicles while the ministry works to repair the bridge.

-Tico Times