The Government has invested over ¢1,230 million in helping families in emergency situations following natural disasters that occured this year. The State of the Nation report showed the country’s vulnerability in facing the results of natural events.
Heavy rains and flooding are frequent in Costa Rica. Rain damaged three houses in Paraíso de Cartago. The Terraba River is always overflowing causing flood damage.
Puntarenas had the most damage from rain, according to IMAS. There, in September and October, 1,390 homes needed emergency resources. This aid represents ¢442 million, 35% of the total such expenditure.
Help from IMAS aims to provide temporary rent or repair of houses as well as basic needs like food and clothing. This help goes first to those in extreme poverty.
In 2017, there were 841 natural events, including storm Nate that caused damage in 76 cantons. Authorities recorded ¢236,000 million in losses in road infrastructure and ¢21,000 million in damage to homes.
