Strong winds tore roofs from homes; 12,000 left without electricity
SAN CARLOS – September 13th, 2012 – Violent winds in Venecia, Aguas Zarcas, Ciudad Quesada, Florencia, Santa Clara and Santa Rita in San Carlos, Alajuela tore the roofs from several homes, knocked down trees and disrupted electric service this week.
Gabriela Chinchilla, from the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), said that a high-pressure system above Central America affected the northern and Caribbean zones of Costa Rica.
The atmospheric phenomenon, which began its way through the country on Monday night, brought winds that reached 80 km per hour and heavy rains.
Some residents confused the strong winds and heavy rains with a tornado.
On Tuesday afternoon, 12,000 people were without electrical service.
The Technologic Institute in Santa Clara suspended its classes due to damages in 3 of the student residencies and the loss of Internet connectivity.
Chinchilla noted that the winds were expected to continue with lessening intensity until today or tomorrow.
Randall Soto, a first aid worker, said that five people were injured and needed to be transported for medical assistance. “Some were injured because of falling trees, as well as objects that were in open spaces in houses. However, none of the injuries are serious, “ he added.