Torrential rains, flooding, washed out bridges and landslides wreak havoc

September 17^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) Torrential rains wreaked havoc in several areas of the country yesterday.

Varablanca in Alajuela and other communities near the La Paz Waterfalls have been completely cut off after a massive river surge completely destroyed a Bailey bridge connecting the communities to the outside world yesterday.  A landslide covering 4 kilometers of roadway between Varablanca and Los Cartagos was also blocking passage and left motorists trapped, while homes were flooded in area communities after unprecedented rainfall.

According to authorities, Varablanca remained completely unreachable late last night.

In the community of Poasito, at least 12 houses were severely damaged and another 15 were in danger of collapse due to flooding and landslides after 100 liters of rain per square meter fell on the community – the equivalent of 15 days of nonstop rainfall.  Other homes reportedly washed away completely.  Businesses were also damaged.

Meanwhile, residents in San Pedro de Poas reportedly took shelter in a school gym.

Central Valley residents were also affected by heavy rains yesterday. In Heredia, roads were washed out as drainage systems overflowed, forcing authorities to close several routes.

San José’s Chinatown was also flooded as drainage systems backed up with debris.

Reports of injuries were difficult to verify at press time as emergency workers continue to clear routes to the most affected communities.