●
Sep
19
Massive Landslide Blocks Highway 32
September 19, 2011 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters | Comments Off
Rescue workers at the scene. Photo courtesy of La Nación.The heavy rains this weekend caused a large landslide at kilometer 33 on route 32 (between San Jose and Guápiles) and fell onto a car driving through at the time.
The car was pushed off the road and into a ravine, some 90 meters deep. The driver, a 50 year old man, was taken to hospital in San Jose but seems to have miraculously suffered only minor injuries.
The accident happened at 6:32pm last night and the road remains closed today so drivers are advised to take the alternative route.
More: La Nación: Derrumbe bloquea paso por vía hacia Guápiles desde anoche
May
11
Route 32 reopens after slide but more closures likely
May 11, 2011 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Transport | Comments Off
The latest slide damage. Photo courtesy of La NaciónA slide on Sunday once again closed route 32 between Limon and Guapiles.
The slide had closed the road at km 22. The debris field from the slide was 6 meters high and 50 meters wide and took several days to clear with the work being slowed down by the rain.
Route 32 is the main route between San Jose and the Caribbean Coast. When it is closed, travelers need to take route 10 via Turrialba. That route however is slow and windy and adds at least an hour to the trip.
Travelers should call 800-TRANSITO, option #1, option #4 (in Spanish) for the latest road information.
Transport officials are also recommending the people do not drive route 32 at night, especially when it is raining.
Mar
8
Saving Lives at Cocles Beach
March 8, 2011 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Helping Out | Comments Off
An idyllic day at the beach almost turned deadly for Canadian tourist Bonnie W. in January when she got caught in a rip current at Cocles Beach (Playa Cocles), south of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
The lifeguard who performed the rescue at Cocles of Bonnie W.
“I was swimming when, suddenly, I realized I was very far away from the beach,” Bonnie said. “I tried to swim back to shore but I seemed to be stuck. I could feel myself getting sucked back further and further away from the shore. I started to panic.”
Bonnie was caught in a rip current — a powerful, narrow current of water that flows rapidly away from the shore, often at speeds in excess of 5 miles-per-hour (8 kilometers-per-hour). It is estimated that rip currents are responsible for about 80% of ocean drowning.
While a rip current often measures 200 feet (62 meters) to 2,500 feet (762 meters) in length, they are typically less than 30 feet (9 meters) wide. As a result, a person can often escape one by remaining calm and swimming parallel to the beach until the current loses strength. Once out of the rip current, they can then swim towards shore. However, many tourists unfamiliar with rip currents panic, and risk become exhausted and drowning.
“Had the lifeguard not been there, I could have drowned,” Bonny said. “I am so grateful to the lifeguard and the Playa Cocles Lifeguard Program.”
This sign explains how the flag system works to alert you to ocean conditions. A red flag indicates that it is too dangerous, stay out of the water. A yellow flag indicates that you should not go in above waist level. A green flag indicates safe swimming. Note that the blue flags seen on some beaches are an indication that the beach has been certified under Costa Rica’s “Bandera Azul” program for excellent water quality and beach cleanliness. It does not indicate ocean conditions.
Cocles Beach is the only lifeguard-patrolled beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Managed by volunteers, the program receives no government funding and relies on donations from local businesses, residents and tourists. That funding is often in short supply and the program has been temporarily suspended in the past when it was unable to raise the money needed to pay the lifeguards, who are paid ₡11,000 per day (approximately US$22).
The minimum monthly bill for running Playa Cocles Lifeguard Program is ₡660,000 (approximately US$1,320), which pays for two lifeguards a day. Its lifeguards have rescued more than 1,500 swimmers at Cocles beach since the service began.
Every donation helps – please support the Playa Cocles Lifeguard Program by making a donation (PayPal accepted). Local business owners in Puerto Viejo can also sign up to provide regular monthly support for the program. For more information, please email Eddie Ryan at La Costa de Papito. More information is available on the Cocles Lifeguard Program website.
Tips:
- Avoid rip currents by always swimming between the red and yellow flags.
- Do not swim alone. Have someone on the beach looking out for you.
- Avoid beaches that are not attended by lifeguards.
- If you find yourself caught in a rip current, stay calm. Conserve your energy by floating or treading water.
- Don’t fight the current by trying to swim back to shore directly against the rip – you could become exhausted and drown. Instead, try to swim parallel to the beach. Once you are out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you cannot escape the rip, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms and yell for help.
- If you see someone who is caught in a rip current, alert a lifeguard. If there is no lifeguard, throw them a floatation device or surf board. Do not go in after them!
| Article by Laura McLeod. Laura is a writer, editor and communications specialist in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She loves toucans, gallo pinto and dreams of moving to Costa Rica one day. lsoucek@shaw.ca. |
Nov
22
Landslide closes route 32 again
November 22, 2010 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Transport | Comments Off
The slide debris completely blocks the road. Photo courtesy of La Nación.
Heavy rains have caused a landslide on route 32 which is the main highway connecting San José with Limon and the road remains closed. The slide happened at km 31, 10 km east of the Zurquí tunnel on Saturday at 3:30pm.
Witnesses at first thought they thought a car may have trapped in the slide. But searchers from the fire department and red cross have not found any sign that anyone was trapped.
Until the slide is cleared, motorists and buses will have to take route 10 via Turrialba. However that route is very narrow and very windy so extra time and caution is required. It typically adds at least 1 1/2 hours to the bus journey to the Caribbean.
Transportation officials from the MOPT said they are hoping to have an estimate on the reopening soon but that continued rain and fog is hampering the effort of clearing the slide.
More: La Nación: Derrumbe impide paso hacia Guápiles
Aug
5
Fire at Telephone Office in Limon Cuts Off Puerto Viejo and Cahuita Service
August 5, 2010 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters | 4 Comments
New telecommunications equipment was flown into Limon to restore service. Photo by Guillermo Solano, courtesy of La Nación
A fire at the ICE Telephone Company building in Limon on Tuesday night left thousands of Caribbean residents without phone, internet and cellular services. ICE said services were restored by 3pm Wednesday but some reported continuing problems after this.
The fire took out landline, internet and users on the old cellular network. While the GSM cellular network was not affected it was overburdened and often not available either.
The agency flew in new equipment and worked first on restoring 9-1-1 emergency services.
More: Tico Times: Telecommunication blackout paralyzes Limón, La Nación: Incendio en agencia colapsó telecomunicaciones en Limón
May
20
Earthquake Shakes Costa Rica
May 20, 2010 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters | Comments Off
Everyone’s talking about it in Puerto Viejo – the earthquake that shook Costa Rica at 4:16pm today.
The earthquake was reported to be of magnitude 6.1 on the Richter scale and the epicenter was 30km southwest of Quepos in the Pacific Ocean.
While the earthquake was felt in many places in Costa Rica including the Caribbean Coast there are no reports of injuries or significant damage.
More: La Nación: ‘Ojalá todos estén bien’, dice Laura Chinchilla tras sismo de 6,1 grados
Mar
6
Surviving A Massive Earthquake and Tsunami
March 6, 2010 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters | Comments Off
With the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, the topic of what to do in an earthquake has been very much on our minds.
Costa Rica is by no means exempt from quakes, with a number of fault lines criss-crossing the country and a history of earthquakes. Although as the experience in Chile has shown, a country with experience dealing with earthquakes is likely to fare much better than one where it is a rare event.
The Caribbean Coast could be particularly vulnerable. Not because it is on a particular fault line but because the connections to the rest of Costa Rica are so tenuous. There are many bridges to fail that could cut the South Caribbean off from Limon and the rest of the country, leaving residents and tourists trapped here and needing to provide for themselves possibly for many days. The coastal location also means that Tsunami are a threat.
In April 1991, a massive earthquake struck Costa Rica and Steve Casimiro who was in Puerto Viejo at the time has just written a haunting and very informative first person account of the quake and surviving the days after at The Adventure Life.
There are many informative guides online about what one should do to survive an earthquake such as this one at Geology.com. And it starts with being prepared now. Having basic supplies on hand and knowing what to do when the quake hits.
Jan
14
Local community reaches out to Haiti
January 14, 2010 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Helping Out | 1 Comment
Costa Rica has had it’s share of natural disasters and is no stranger to earthquakes.
So many in the local community have been profoundly touched by the pictures coming out of Port-au-Prince, knowing that it could’ve just as easily been San Jose or some other part of Costa Rica.
The department of immigration puts the official Haitian population of Costa Rica at only 215 residents but the actual number is probably much higher. Many of them work as mobile vendors in San José. Those interviewed on Teletica last night were anxiously waiting news from home as to whether their families were okay.
A number of local businesses we spoke to have already sent donations:
- Puerto Viejo Satellite $100
- Gecko Trail Adventures $200
Donations within Costa Rica can be sent to the Banco de Costa Rica or Banco Nacional accounts set up for this. International organizations which are collecting donations include Doctors without Borders who have worked extensively in Haiti for many years (Their US, Canadian and other national offices all accept online donations) and and the International Red Cross.
Nov
9
Motorcycle accident claims two lives
November 9, 2009 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters | Comments Off
An accident on Friday night tragically claimed the lives of two young men when the motorcycle they were riding hit a post.
The victims were identified as Humberto Traña Medrano and Guillermo Quesada. They were apparently best friends who worked together at a local restaurant and played on a soccer team together.
They were leaving work to return home and change clothes when they came around a corner and encountered a slow moving vehicle. In trying to avoid hitting the vehicle they hit the post instead. According to the Red Cross, they were both instantly killed.
The accident happened 200 meters south of the entrance of town, in front of Abastecedor El Cruce.
More: La Nación: Motociclistas mueren al chocar contra un poste
Oct
16
Death at Cocles raises questions about lifeguard service
October 16, 2009 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters | 28 Comments
The apparent drowning of a 50 year old man yesterday on Cocles Beach has some asking questions about the quality of the lifeguard services.
Cocles Beach is the only lifeguard patrolled beach on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, a venture paid for by local hotels and businesses.
Yet witnesses to the drowning yesterday said that while onlookers tried to resuscitate the victim, the guard continued working on craft projects in his tower and did not attempt to help.
Local surf conditions can be rather unpredictable, especially for tourists used to much calmer waters. This incident is another reminder to follow water safety rules.
The Talamanca News would welcome more information and comments on this incident, especially from those who may have witnessed it first hand.
Update: Further information was supplied by Eddie Ryan of La Costa de Papito hotel, which has been one of the steadfast supporters of the lifeguard program from the beginning. Ryan sadly confirmed that indeed a man died on Thursday on Cocles beach. But that essentially he did not drown but after eating a heavy lunch and drinking a few beers shortly before, either choked on the food or had a heart attack. He was in waist deep water and never screamed or made any gestures to indicate distress. His wife was seated on the beach near the shoreline and didn’t see what happened. Someone noticed he was floating and the lifeguard and a few other people dragged him out of the water and the lifeguard tried to resuscitate him to no avail.
Ryan said that while he was not there during the incident, he talked with different people about what had happened when he got to the beach.
Ryan also noted that the lifeguard program is operating at half speed for the last two weeks with only one lifeguard on duty instead of two because of insufficient funds. This will continue for at least 4 more weeks taking us into times of rough seas and dangerous currents compared with the flat sea conditions recently. With one lifeguard on duty only prevention service with flags and a whistle is offered because it is necessary to have two lifeguards on duty to safely perform a rescue.
If you would like to make a donation towards supporting the lifeguard service, you can do so using a credit card on the Puerto Viejo Satellite donation page. Puerto Viejo Satellite will cover the credit card processing costs so that 100% of your donation will get to the program. Local business owners who do not already support the program are encouraged to pledge ongoing support and can contact Eddie Ryan at La Costa de Papito.
Donation update. Thanks to the following folks who have donated through Puerto Viejo Satellite to support the program:
• Chet Ort $75
Apr
3
Interest in Puerto Viejo Continues to Grow
April 3, 2009 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Crime & Punishment, Site news, Tourism | 2 Comments
In these challenging economic times, many local businesses seen a drop in business. But there is some good news too: interest in Puerto Viejo and the South Caribbean coast of Costa Rica remains very high. You can see this by looking at the growth of visitors to Puerto Viejo Satellite. In the quarter just finished, there were over 40,000 unique visitors to the website!
Traffic has grown at a very fast rate ever since the website has launched and the website is bigger and better than ever with:
• More listings than ever
• More features than ever like the recently added restaurant page or the listing detail pages (see this one for example)
• More complete information than ever – additional transport options for example added to the transport page as we find out about them
The area has also benefited from the marketing savvy of the owner one of the newer hotels in town, Banana Azul. Banana Azul was recently even mentioned on the Today show as a affordable vacation spot in these recessionary times. As more people find Banana Azul, they also discover the whole area as they discover the place that is a good fit for them or visit local restaurants and tour providers.
The growing tour company Gecko Trail Adventures has also contributed. Their Costa Rica tour packages have a strong emphasis on the Caribbean coast and so many people discover this area even if they don’t know Manzanillo from Montezuma.
All in all, we see great things ahead!
Nov
28
Upland Damage Extensive; Help Sought
November 28, 2008 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Helping Out | 1 Comment
 The Caracol River washed away the bridge which was the access to the community of Los Ángeles de Río Jiménez de Guácimo. Photo by Mario Rojas, courtesy of La Nacion. |
While the communities of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Cocles and Punta Uva are mostly getting back to normal after the flooding, the upland communities where tourists rarely go remain severely affected. This includes the town of Sixaola on the Panama border so the land crossing to Panama (a frequent route for travelers is Puerto Viejo to Bocas, Panama) remains closed for now.
The emergency commission (CNE) is estimating some 42 billion colones (77 million US$) in damages to highways, streets, agricultural crops, damaged wells and aqueducts, clinics and schools. The impact beyond this to individual homeowners and in lost business will increase this amount greatly.
CNE also estimates some 46,000 persons affected by the flooding including 5.497 who remain in shelters, unable to return to their homes. They are also reporting that although the water has receded in most places there remain 35 communities whose access to the outside world is cut off by the flooding.
Help is still sought as well. The Cruz Roja is mounting a national campaign and locally the relief effort is being coordinated by ATEC which has setup pickup points locally where donations of food, water, clothing, money, medicine, tools, toys, holiday gifts, and cash. Puerto Viejo Satellite and the Talamanca News are helping out by processing credit card donations for people so that people can help from whereever they are. We will cover all credit card fees so 100% of your donation will go to the relief effort.
More:
- La Nacion: CNE estima las pérdidas por lluvias en ¢42.000 millones
- Teletica (video): Lluvias generan millonarias pérdidas en Limón
Nov
26
Temporary Bridge to Puerto Viejo Opened
November 26, 2008 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Transport | 1 Comment
| Correction: I had previously published incorrectly that this crossing was suitable for all vehicles but apparently they are asking that large trucks and buses not use the temporary crossing. Regular passenger vehicles, smaller trucks and shuttle vans such as Interbus and Grayline are operating across the temporary span though. |
Construction crews worked all day today and a temporary crossing, suitable for all but buses and large trucks, is now open where the damaged bridge was on Playa Negra.
 Construction crews finishing temporary crossing where the bridge at Playa Negra into Puerto Viejo had washed out. |
Nov
26
Donation Drive Launched to Help Flood Victims
November 26, 2008 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters, Helping Out | 2 Comments
Greencoast.com and ATEC, with the Tourism Chamber, the Biofuel Cooperative, Associacion ANAI, local pulperias and PuertoViejoSatellite.com are working together to gather donations of food, water, clothing, money, medicine, tools, toys, holiday gifts, and cash.
 This family cannot return to their house in Celia, Talamanca so they wait for help. Photo by Martin Caraval, courtesy of La Nacion. |
The community of Yorkin in Alta-Talamanca lost its bridge, its lodge, its water and septic systems and needs help rebuilding. Many other communities are also suffering.
ReciCaribe’s truck will bring up donated items this week and again as long as we keep getting donations—they lost their crops they will need help for a long time.
Look for a donations box at the following supermarkets (soon to be more) or bring donations to the following places listed below.
- Pulperia La Violeta, Playa Negra
- Super Buen Precio, Puerto Viejo
- Super Pirrilpli, Cocles
- Duende Gourment, Playa Chiquita
or to:
- ATEC in Puerto Viejo 2750 0191
- Aguas Claras in Playa Chiquita 2750 0131
- The Mariposario in Cahuita, contact Leda 2755 0108 or 8844 8032
- ANAI in Hone Creek 2756 8021
- ANAI in San Jose, contact Diego 2224 3570 or diego@anaicr.org
100% of cash donations will be given to flood victims will be completely transparent and will be posted on here on the Talamanca News and on Greencoast.com.
Credit card donations can be made at www.puertoviejosatellite.com/donate.php. Puerto Viejo Satellite will cover the credit card fees so that 100% of your donation will be forwarded to help out.
You can also make a donation through Banco Nacional so no fees are paid. Please see account details on Greencoast.com.
Please consider at this time of giving thanks, that we have our health and safety, and that we are thankful that we are able to be generous to our neighbors.
Please contact ATEC with ideas, questions, help, or concerns:+506 2750 0398 or atecmail@gmail.com
Nov
24
Rain to Diminish Tue and Wed; Back to Normal by Thursday
November 24, 2008 | Tags: Accidents and Natural Disasters | 1 Comment
According to the National Metorological Institute, the rains will diminish gradually Tuesday and Wednesday and we’ll be back to normal weather by Thursday.
The rain has stopped falling for now but they are forecasting a return to heavy rains tonight which is why the red alert remains in force for the Atlantic coast.
There’s even a forecast of a little sun to sneak through the clouds by tomorrow afternoon.
|
|
| |
