(QCOSTARICA) – The country is in a state of emergency over heavy rainfall and flooding in the Caribbean coast.
The ministro de la Presidencia (Chief of Staff) said the government is close to declaring of national emergency, that would be mainly for the reconstruction, and, allow greater flexibility in financing and administrative processes.
National Emergency Commission (Comisión Nacional de Emergencias – CNE) president, Ivan Brenes, explained that before the declaration the government has to go assure it has the funds available.
Today, Monday, 129,815 students will stay home and at least until next Monday (July 6), with the announcement by the Minister of Education (Ministra de Educación Pública), Sonia Marta Mora, the closing of 935 schools in the communities of Sarapaquí, Talamanca, Limón, Matina, Pococí, Siquirres, Guácimo and Turrialba.
Cristian Vargas, manager of Road Maintenance at the National Highway Council (CONAVI), explained that there are 12 national routes with damage; including the Ruta 32 to Limon. The road continues closed since last Monday due to landslides and at least part of one bridge washed away by the raging currents.
The road closure has affected imports and exports to and from the ports of Limon. Trucks are stuck on route to Limon, others can’t get products to market. For now producers and exporters of perishable goods say they haven’t suffered any serious consequences, given their products have a shelf life of 30 days. Luis Carlos Vargas, executive director of Chamber of Exporters (Cadexco), said in many cases the transporters have refrigerated units, extending the shelf life.
National Banana Corporation (Corporación Bananera Nacional), reports a number of banana plantations, mainly located in Matina, are flooded and the damage suffered is yet unknown. The concern of day workers in their ability to work in the fields and processing plants, from which they earn their daily living.
Souces: Nacion.com, Casa Presidencial, CNE
