Rivers and streams have reached their maximum levels. The water level is receding, but extreme caution is necessary," reported Carlos Javier Solís, a resident of San José, who left early for work via WhatsApp.
Jessika Waucauma, from the Caracol Arriba area, reported that the rain intensified from 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday and has not stopped. In Las Margaritas, overflows of streams into populated areas such as sectors 5, 6, and La Gloria have been reported.
Authorities are urging the public to take all necessary precautions, avoid crossing rivers and streams, and not to remain in areas prone to landslides, floods, or the risk of falling trees.
A mother and her child experienced moments of anguish and desperation after being trapped due to the significant rise of the powerful Mamoní River, in the corregimiento of Las Margaritas, district of Chepo, east of the capital. On the afternoon of this Wednesday, November 19, the Mamoní River reached one of its highest levels, causing a stream that flows into this important tributary to back up, leaving the young mother and her daughter stranded on the other side.
Fortunately, units from the Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Chepo and the Servicio Nacional de Fronteras (SENAFRONT) responded to the call for help from residents and managed to rescue them unharmed.
Heavy rains with strong winds were also recorded, as shown in the videos accompanying this publication. High tides on both coasts were also reported starting at 3:00 p.m. The Community Disaster Risk Management Committee for Floods of Las Margaritas, the only one formally established in the country, maintains constant vigilance, as its function is to monitor the Mamoní River and other waterways to generate early warnings for authorities, according to Eladio Pérez, president of the committee.
