CABEI approves $500,000 to address rain-related emergencies in Costa Rica

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has approved US$500,000 in technical assistance to help address the most urgent needs of the population affected by heavy rains that have fallen in Costa Rica over the past month, according to a press release issued by CABEI on August 31, 2026, in Limón. The funds were released under the Bank’s Emergency and Natural Disaster Assistance mechanism. They will be allocated to the nine cantons included in the National Emergency Declaration. The cooperation agreement was formalized during the president’s tour of Limón Province. The measure targets the immediate humanitarian needs of affected communities.

The agreement was signed between the Ministry of the Interior and Civil Protection (CABEI) and the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE). It responds to a National Emergency Declaration issued by the government. The declaration covers nine cantons across four provinces. These cantons were identified as the hardest hit by recent hydrometeorological events. The assistance was structured to align with the government’s official emergency response framework.

The funding will support the purchase of food, drinking water, medicines, medical equipment, and supplies for shelters. It will also finance efforts to repair damaged infrastructure. Additional resources will support the resumption of agricultural activities in the affected areas. The nine cantons benefiting from the funds are Limón, Pococí, Siquirres, Talamanca, Matina, and Guácimo in the province of Limón. Guatuso in Alajuela, Turrialba in Cartago, and Sarapiquí in Heredia are also included.

The affected cantons experienced flooding, landslides, mudslides, damage to roads, and soil saturation. These impacts stemmed from the passage of Tropical Waves Nos. 32 and 33. Atmospheric instability generated by the Intertropical Convergence Zone further worsened conditions. More than 500 people were evacuated to shelters as a result of the events. Nearly 900 families requested humanitarian assistance.

The technical assistance is intended to help meet the population’s most urgent needs during the ongoing emergency. It combines humanitarian supplies with support for infrastructure recovery. Agricultural recovery is also part of the funded response. The nine cantons under the National Emergency Declaration remain the focus of the intervention. The cooperation reflects the coordinated response between CABEI and Costa Rican authorities.