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The heavy rains of Tuesday and Wednesday caused the concrete barrier to collapse
in Cinco Esquinas de Tibás, among other damage around the Central Valley
(Foto: Adriana Araya)

According to the CNE, 152 people from the areas of Santa Domingo, San Pablo and San Rafael, all in Heredia, had to be moved to temporary shelters.

Some lost everything as the torrential rains caused rivers to swell causing flash floods.

Commuter train service to Heredia was also cancelled on Wednesday as the Incofer assessed damage to the tracks. Traffic to Heredia Wednesday afternoon was heavier than normal.

According to the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) - Costa Rica's national weather service - the rains of Tuesday and Wednesday accounted for 85% of the average rain fall in the month of July in San José.

Many in Heredia had not slept, keeping an eye on the rain and water levels of the rivers, while many others moving around in the mud and water to take their belongings to higher ground.

In la ruta Cuidad Quesada (San Carlos), in the area of Buena Vista, flash flooding and raging rivers took out the concrete bridge over the La Vieja river. Buena Vista became isolated Wednesday.

In Tres Riso, Cervantes, Cipreses, Pejibaje and Paraiso de Cartago were all affected. In Tibás the concrete abutment of a bridge was completely destroyed.