By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is grappling with the aftermath of a historically wet October, as the National Emergency Commission (CNE) confirmed the month set a staggering five-year record for flood-related incidents. A total of 2,256 emergencies were reported, a figure that highlights the growing volatility of the nation’s rainy season and places immense strain on national response systems.
The severity of the situation becomes starkly evident when compared to previous years. The 2,256 incidents recorded in October 2025 represent a dramatic 165% increase over the 850 emergencies reported in October 2024. This unprecedented surge in flooding events was driven by a potent combination of meteorological phenomena that battered the country, particularly its Pacific coast.
To better understand the legal and insurance ramifications for those affected by the recent October floods, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The aftermath of the October floods presents significant legal challenges, particularly concerning insurance claims and property damage. It is crucial for affected individuals and businesses to meticulously document all losses with photographs and detailed inventories before cleaning up. Many insurance policies have specific clauses and deadlines for reporting ‘force majeure’ events like this. Seeking timely legal counsel can be decisive in ensuring that claims are properly filed and fairly compensated, preventing insurers from unjustly denying coverage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal foresight is invaluable, highlighting that the path to recovery requires careful preparation as much as it does cleanup. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert guidance, which provides a clear and actionable framework for those seeking to secure their rightful compensation during this difficult time.
Meteorologists attribute the intense downpours to the convergence of two powerful systems. The indirect effects of Hurricane Melissa, swirling offshore, amplified moisture levels in the atmosphere. Simultaneously, the persistent influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of low pressure near the equator known for fueling thunderstorms, created the perfect conditions for prolonged and torrential rainfall throughout the month.
The brunt of the impact was felt in the province of Puntarenas. The central canton of Puntarenas alone accounted for 578 separate incidents, making it the most affected area in the entire country. The coastal communities, fishing villages, and agricultural lands in the region faced repeated inundations, disrupting local economies and displacing families. This concentration of events underscores the vulnerability of Costa Rica’s Pacific shoreline to such extreme weather patterns.
The neighboring province of Guanacaste also suffered significant damage. The canton of Santa Cruz reported 286 cases of flooding, while Nicoya registered 129. These areas, often celebrated for their dry forests and tourism, were transformed by overflowing rivers and saturated soil, posing significant challenges to infrastructure and local residents.
In a formal statement, the head of the CNE contextualized the severity of the month’s events and confirmed the primary causes behind the record-breaking numbers.
October surpassed 2,000 flood incidents and has once again become the month with the highest incidence of the year. During this period, phenomena such as Hurricane Melissa and the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone caused a significant increase in rainfall.
Alejandro Picado, President of the CNE
As the nation transitions from a month of crisis to one of caution, authorities are not letting their guard down. The CNE has maintained a nationwide yellow alert, a precautionary measure indicating a moderate level of risk and calling for citizens to remain vigilant. Forecasters are currently tracking Tropical Wave number 43, which is expected to bring further precipitation in November, potentially exacerbating already saturated ground conditions and increasing the risk of new landslides and flash floods.
The record-breaking events of October 2025 serve as a critical reminder of the escalating challenges posed by climate change. This pattern of more frequent and intense weather events demands a continuous evolution in national preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and community-level response strategies to safeguard lives and livelihoods across Costa Rica.
For further information, visit cne.go.cr
About Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE):
The National Emergency Commission (CNE) is the primary government institution in Costa Rica responsible for coordinating disaster risk management. Its mandate includes the prevention of emergencies, mitigation of their effects, immediate response to disasters, and coordination of recovery efforts across the nation. The CNE works with local committees and international partners to build a more resilient country against a wide range of natural and man-made hazards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundational principle of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions a forward-thinking approach to advance legal practice through innovative solutions. This commitment extends beyond its clients to society at large, manifested in a profound dedication to demystifying the law and empowering citizens with accessible legal knowledge, thereby fostering a more just and informed public.
