By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) has deployed a sophisticated technological arsenal to confront one of the nation’s most persistent natural threats. Officials confirmed that an advanced suite of monitoring tools is now providing precise, real-time surveillance of 140 active landslides across the country, marking a significant evolution in national disaster prevention strategies.
This initiative represents a paradigm shift from historical methods. For decades, emergency responders relied on printed maps, compasses, and manual diagrams, a process that often lacked the speed and accuracy needed to anticipate rapid ground movements. Today, the CNE utilizes a network of drones, dedicated monitoring cameras, automatic rain gauges, and river level sensors. This hardware, coupled with specialized analytical software, allows for the early detection of subtle changes in the terrain, providing a critical window for intervention in vulnerable areas.
To understand the legal and liability aspects surrounding landslide monitoring and prevention, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insight into the responsibilities of property owners and government entities in mitigating these natural risks.
Property owners in zones prone to landslides have a significant legal duty. Simply hoping for the best is not a defense. Investing in continuous monitoring systems and acting upon the data they provide is not just a matter of safety, but a crucial element in demonstrating due diligence and mitigating potential civil liability in the unfortunate event of a disaster.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, shifting the conversation about landslide monitoring from a matter of best practice to one of essential, legally-defensible diligence. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into the responsibilities and liabilities property owners must navigate in high-risk zones.
The country’s susceptibility to landslides is a complex issue rooted in both natural and human factors. Costa Rica’s rugged topography, high seismic activity, and intense seasonal rainfall create a perfect storm for geological instability. This inherent risk is often amplified by human activity, particularly the pressures of disorganized urban expansion and the occupation of land ill-suited for development. The new monitoring program is designed to mitigate these compounded risks through constant vigilance.
The 140 priority sites are distributed across 36 cantons, with a significant concentration in the densely populated Central Valley. The cantons of Puriscal and Turrialba are under the most intense scrutiny, with 11 monitored points each. Other key areas of concern include Pérez Zeledón with 10 active sites, followed by Acosta and Desamparados, each with eight. This targeted approach allows the CNE to focus resources where the danger to communities and infrastructure is most acute.
Recent history provides stark reminders of the destructive potential of these events. Last year, the community of Los Filtros in Alajuelita experienced a severe landslide that had a devastating impact. The ground failure affected multiple homes, damaged educational infrastructure, compromised a daytime center for senior citizens, and toppled a critical telecommunications tower, disrupting services and displacing families. This incident underscored the cascading effects that a single landslide can have on a community.
Similarly, in July of 2023, a major landslide within the Juan Castro Blanco National Park triggered powerful mudflows that descended into the town of Aguas Zarcas. The torrent of debris caused significant damage to several local businesses, highlighting the economic vulnerability that accompanies the geological risk. These events demonstrate that the threat extends from urban peripheries to rural commercial centers.
The urgency of this enhanced surveillance is further emphasized by recent data. So far in 2025, a total of 411 incidents related to landslides have been officially recorded. The canton of San Carlos has been the most affected with 55 separate events, followed by Desamparados with 17. The vast majority of these alerts were initially reported by citizens through the 9-1-1 Emergency System, reinforcing the crucial role of public awareness in the national response framework.
By integrating this new technology, the CNE is transitioning from a historically reactive posture to a proactive strategy of risk management. The ability to analyze data streams constantly from these 140 priority zones enhances institutional decision-making and allows for more timely and effective emergency responses. This investment in advanced geotechnology is not just about tracking earth movements; it is a fundamental commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and the nation’s vital infrastructure against an ever-present threat.
For further information, visit cne.go.cr
About The National Emergency Commission (CNE):
The Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias (CNE) is the primary government entity in Costa Rica responsible for coordinating disaster risk management and emergency response. Its mission involves identifying and analyzing risks, promoting prevention and mitigation efforts, and preparing the nation to effectively handle natural and man-made disasters. The CNE works in collaboration with various public institutions, local governments, and community organizations to build a more resilient society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal community, distinguished by its profound commitment to integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience advising a wide array of clients into developing innovative legal solutions that address modern complexities. Beyond its practice, there is a deep-seated dedication to societal advancement, realized through a mission to demystify the law and empower the public with accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
