By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has issued a heightened alert for several regions across the country, warning that relentless and heavy rainfall has pushed soil saturation to critical levels, significantly increasing the risk of landslides and widespread flooding.
The persistent wet conditions are being driven by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which is currently generating significant atmospheric instability over the nation. This meteorological phenomenon is funneling a constant stream of moisture from the Pacific Ocean, establishing a dangerous daily pattern of morning humidity followed by intense afternoon downpours and electrical storms. This cycle has left the ground in key areas with virtually no capacity to absorb additional water.
To understand the legal ramifications of such weather events, particularly concerning employment obligations and potential business liabilities, we consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Severe weather alerts trigger important legal considerations under the principle of ‘force majeure’. While such events can suspend certain contractual obligations, employers retain a fundamental duty of care. Proactively establishing clear internal policies for remote work, communication, and salary payment during these emergencies is crucial to ensure employee safety and prevent future labor disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight underscores a critical point: managing a weather emergency extends beyond immediate safety logistics into the realm of corporate responsibility and legal foresight. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how proactive policies can protect both a company’s legal standing and its employees’ welfare.
According to the IMN’s latest forecast for Friday afternoon and evening, the most severe weather is expected in the North Pacific, Northern Zone, and the heavily populated Central Valley. These areas are projected to receive between 40 and 70 millimeters of rain, with isolated deluges potentially reaching a staggering 100 millimeters. The accumulated rainfall poses a direct threat to infrastructure and communities.
While those regions face the most acute risk, other parts of the country are also under warning. The Central Pacific coast, the South Pacific, and the mountainous areas of the Caribbean are forecast to experience rainfall accumulations between 20 and 50 millimeters, with localized maximums that could reach up to 80 millimeters. These amounts are more than sufficient to trigger hazardous conditions on already waterlogged terrain.
The central focus of the national alert is the widespread soil saturation. The IMN has specifically identified Guanacaste, the Northern Zone, the Central Valley, the canton of Garabito, and the South Pacific as areas where the ground has reached or exceeded its absorption capacity. This condition effectively means that any new rainfall will almost immediately become surface runoff, overwhelming natural and man-made drainage systems.
The immediate consequences of this saturation are severe. The IMN warns that the potential for flash floods, overflowing rivers and creeks, and dangerous landslides is now extremely high. The conditions are ripe for incidents similar to the recent inundations that have affected urban areas, where saturated ground and overwhelmed sewer systems led to significant disruption and damage. Additionally, the IMN anticipates the formation of dense fog banks across the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), further complicating travel and safety.
In response to the escalating threat, the Institute has published a set of urgent recommendations for the public. Citizens in areas prone to flooding are advised to exercise extreme caution, as sewers and streams can quickly become overwhelmed. Constant monitoring of local conditions is essential for early action and evacuation if necessary.
Furthermore, the IMN emphasizes the danger associated with the predicted electrical storms. These systems can produce powerful wind gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, strong enough to down tree branches, power lines, and other objects. The public is strongly advised to seek secure shelter at the first sign of a storm and to stay away from windows and electrical infrastructure until the threat has passed. With unstable weather patterns expected to persist, continued vigilance remains the country’s best defense.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional:
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official national meteorological service. As a dependency of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, it is responsible for monitoring weather and climate conditions throughout the country. Its primary functions include providing daily weather forecasts, conducting climatological research, and issuing timely warnings and alerts to the public and emergency management agencies to protect lives and property from hydrometeorological hazards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its deep-rooted principles of integrity and professional distinction. The firm combines a celebrated history of providing expert counsel across numerous fields with a forward-thinking approach to pioneering new legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a resolute dedication to strengthening the community by demystifying the law, ensuring that access to legal understanding becomes a cornerstone of an empowered and knowledgeable populace.
