Costa Rica Under Orange Alert as Heavy Rains Trigger Widespread Flooding and Landslides

National Alert Issued Amid Severe Weather Conditions

Costa Rica is currently under an Orange Alert across much of its territory, with the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) and the National Emergency Commission (CNE) warning of persistent heavy rains, thunderstorms, flooding, and landslides. The alert, elevated on October 5, 2025, and maintained through the current weekend, signifies a critical situation as atmospheric instability continues to affect the nation. The Caribbean region remains under a Yellow Alert.

The IMN reported on Thursday, October 10, 2025, that the country is experiencing 'very rainy conditions' due to a combination of atmospheric factors, including the proximity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, high morning temperatures, the arrival of sea breezes, and the presence of a trough at high levels of the atmosphere.

Widespread Impacts and Emergency Response

The heavy rainfall has led to numerous incidents across the country. The CNE reported attending to 33 emergency calls on Thursday alone, primarily due to flooding. Most incidents have occurred in regions such as Pérez Zeledón, Corredores, Buenos Aires, Alajuela, and Atenas, resulting from overflowing rivers and streams, as well as the collapse of sewer systems.

Significant impacts include the destruction of a home by a landslide in La Carpio, where an adult male sustained a leg injury, and several families initially refused evacuation despite orders. In Nicoya, the communities of Mansión and San Antonio reported flooded homes. Additionally, the overflowing of the San Pedro and Pejibaye rivers affected five residences in San Pedro, Pérez Zeledón. Roadways in areas like Santa Cruz, Golfito, Buenos Aires, and Osa have also been impacted by overflowing rivers and drainage systems.

Forecasts for the weekend (October 10-12) indicate significant rainfall, with the Pacific Central and South expected to receive between 80 and 120 millimeters, the Central Valley 15 to 70 millimeters, and the Pacific North and Northern Zone 30 to 80 millimeters. Soils are already highly saturated, with some areas in the North Pacific potentially reaching critical levels exceeding 95%, increasing the risk of further landslides and flash floods.

Contributing Factors and Outlook

The persistent wet conditions are attributed to a confluence of meteorological phenomena. The Intertropical Convergence Zone remains active over Costa Rica, fostering cloud formation and storms. Furthermore, the presence of Tropical Wave #35 has exacerbated the situation, contributing to the elevated alert levels. The Caribbean Sea is also warmer than usual, increasing atmospheric moisture, while the Pacific Ocean is in a neutral-cool phase, delaying the typical onset of the dry season. Experts from the IMN predict that October 2025 will be one of the rainiest months of the year, with precipitation levels exceeding historical averages by up to 15% in regions like the Pacific, Central Valley, and Northwestern Zone.

Safety Recommendations and Ongoing Vigilance

The CNE and other authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly in mountainous and coastal areas. Residents are advised to avoid crossing swollen rivers and to stay informed through official reports. The Red Cross and Fire Department units have been mobilized for rescue and assessment operations. While 445 people who were in shelters in Riojalandia and Barranca, Puntarenas, have returned home, 14 individuals remain in a shelter in Santa Cruz, and 31 people are being attended to in a temporary shelter in La Carpio following a landslide.

Travelers are recommended to check road conditions before departing and to defer non-essential trips on affected roadways, especially after dark, due to the risk of flash flooding, landslides, and potential power interruptions. The IMN anticipates that the rainy season will extend beyond its usual end this year, necessitating continued vigilance from the population.