Disasters in Costa Rica

Disaster safety in Costa Rica is based on recognizing several different hazards rather than expecting only one kind of event. The relevant risk depends on the region, season, elevation, nearby rivers, slopes, volcanoes, and distance from the coast. Earthquakes can occur without warning. The safest immediate action is usually to protect yourself from falling objects, stay away from glass, and avoid running outside while strong shaking continues. Costa Rica has active volcanoes, but danger is not limited to visible lava. Ash, gases, falling material, mudflows, closed access zones, and changes in wind can affect communities, roads, farms, and aviation. Heavy rain can cause rivers and drains to rise rapidly. Flooding may cut roads, enter buildings, or isolate communities, while saturated hillsides can produce landslides and falling rocks. Coastal areas can face strong waves, storm effects, and tsunamis. After long or powerful earthquake shaking near the coast, natural warning signs such as unusual sea movement should be treated seriously, and people should move inland or uphill without waiting beside the water. The Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias, commonly called the CNE, coordinates national risk management and emergency response. Local emergency committees, first responders, public institutions, and communities support evacuation, shelters, warnings, and recovery. Official instructions may include road closures, evacuation orders, exclusion zones, or movement to a temporary shelter. A shelter offers basic protection, but people should bring essential medicine, identification, water, and personal supplies when this can be done safely. Preparedness cannot predict every event or guarantee that services will remain available. Its purpose is to reduce confusion, help families act quickly, and keep a local emergency from becoming a larger personal crisis.