SAN JOSE, 6 October (BelTA - Xinhua) - Tropical Storm Nate has killed seven people in Costa Rica and led to the evacuation of some 5,000 others, President Luis Guillermo Solis said on Thursday.
Nate sparked heavy downpours in the Central American region since Wednesday, dumping up to 215 liters of rain per square meter in Costa Rica, the National Meteorological Institute reported.
Some 80 shelters were set up to accommodate the thousands of people displaced by flooding, said Ivan Brenes, head of the National Emergency Commission (CNE).
The storm toppled 41 trees, caused 12 mudslides, and flooding in 32 communities, the fire department said. The area hit hardest is western Guanacaste, where flooding has been severe.
The government announced the suspension of work and school activities on Thursday and Friday, and also closed national parks and several electricity plants.
Flights were disrupted at the international airport in San Jose.
In neighboring Nicaragua, Nate left at least four people dead and nine others missing, as well as extensive material damage. At least one person was reported killed in Honduras.
