Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Earthquake, 01-09-2009
On January 8, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred approximately 20 miles northwest of San José, particularly affecting the Central Valley. As of January 9, the Costa Rican Red Cross reported that the earthquake affected 2,377 people, including 1,078 displaced individuals and 4 deaths. According to the Costa Rica National Emergency Commission (CNE) the earthquake caused significant infrastructure damage in the areas of Heredia and Alajuela cities. Aftershocks and subsequent landslides occurred in Vara Blanca and along the Sarapiqui River, impeding humanitarian access. CNE established an air bridge to evacuate populations in the Vara Blanca—Sarapiqui River corridor.
On January 9, U.S. Ambassador Peter E. Cianchette declared a disaster due to the effects of the earthquake. In response, USAID/OFDA provided an initial $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica for local air support to evacuate affected populations.
Additional Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 11-26-2008
Beginning November 18, interaction between a high and low pressure system caused continual heavy rains and serious flooding on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Flooding occurred in Limón, Heredia, and San José provinces, primarily affecting the Limón and Talamanca administrative districts. According to the National Emergency Commission (CNE), as of November 26, flooding had displaced approximately 5,338 people to 75 temporary shelters and damaged or destroyed an estimated 1,200 houses. Floods also negatively affected agricultural lands and infrastructure, including 3 dikes, 7 bridges, and 32 sections of road.
On November 26, U.S. Ambassador Peter E. Cianchette issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of floods in Costa Rica. In response, USAID/OFDA provided an initial $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica to the CNE for the local procurement and transport of emergency relief supplies to affected populations. In addition, a Costa Rica-based USAID/OFDA disaster management expert relocated to Limón Province to assess humanitarian conditions. On November 28, a USAID/OFDA-chartered commodity flight delivered additional relief supplies, valued at nearly $187,500 including transport, for distribution in affected areas.
Additional Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 10-22-2007
Beginning October 10, heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in 33 municipalities in Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José provinces. Initial reports indicated that the floods resulted in the deaths of 18 people, severely affected infrastructure and the agricultural sector, and damaged 1,900 houses. The floods also affected approximately 12,000 people, of which 3,174 individuals remained isolated by flood waters and 2,150 others relocated to temporary shelters. A total of 22 communities remained inaccessible due to floods and subsequent landslides.
On October 22, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David E. Henifin declared a disaster due to the effects of the floods. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica to the CNE for the local purchase of bed sheets, blankets, fuel, and hygiene kits.
For information on USAID's hurricane recovery and reconstruction programs, please see here.
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