Hurricanes in Costa Rica
Costa Rica (English: Rich Coast), officially the Republic of Costa Rica (), is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island. It has a population of around 5 million in a land area of 51,060 square kilometers (19,714 square miles). Hurricanes are uncommon in the country, as only eighteen have been recorded in history. Climatologically, the hurricanes that impact Costa Rica mostly formed in October and November. However, most of the hurricanes that hit the country were deadly and destructive, such as Hurricane Nate in 2017. Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is the national meteorological agency of Costa Rica. List of storms 1887–2000 December 5–12, 1887 – Tropical Storm Nineteen made landfall in Costa Rica. October 8–10, 1906 – A hurricane formed near Costa Rica, causing damage to fruit plantations. Total damage was recorded at $1 million (1906 USD), though no deaths were reported. November 21–25, 1969 – Persistent rainfall from Hurricane Martha led to street flooding and inundated areas in Costa Rica, namely in Golfito. The effects of Martha resulted in five deaths in the country. The nation incurred flooding from heavy rainfall, which caused significant destruction. The capital city of San José received flooding. In all, damages were estimated near $30 million (1969 USD). September 19, 1971 – Hurricane Irene caused $1 million in damage (1971 USD) to the banana crops in Costa Rica. November 18, 1973 – Tropical Depression Seventeen made landfall on northern Costa Rica and dissipated later that day. It may have briefly attained tropical storm intensity before making landfall. October 22, 1988 – Rainfall from Hurricane Joan caused 20 rivers in Costa Rica to burst their banks, flooding 75 settlements, including the city of Quepos on the Pacific coast. At Ciudad Neily, the Rio Corredores broke through a dike. In total, 7,500 Costa Ricans were rendered homeless. Across the country, at least 28 people were killed and damages amounted to $65 million (1988 USD). Additionally, 75 people were listed as injured, and 18 people were listed as missing. August 10, 1993 – Tropical Storm Bret brought heavy rainfall and high seas to the east coast of Costa Rica, as well as gusty winds. One death occurred in the country, as well as US$7.7 million (1993 USD) in damage. September 15, 1993 – Hurricane Gert caused heavy damage in much of the nation. Although Gert's center remained off the coast of Costa Rica, its large circulation produced brisk winds and heavy rainfall across the country. A local weather station recorded 13.1 inches (332 mm) of rain during the storm. The initial rainfall raised the levels of many rivers, exacerbating the flood threat. The imminent overflow of the Tempisque River prompted wide-scale evacuations, though the river crested gradually without major consequences. After hours of prolonged rainfall, many Pacific regions such as Quepos, Pérez Zeledón, and Osa experienced flooding and landslides, which