Upala and Bagaces are the two communities in Costa Rica that were more strongly hit by Otto Hurricane, the heavy rain and strong wind, washed away in just a few hours everything some families possessed.

Houses, cars, businesses… gone. The photos and videos of the areas show the devastation left behind by this phenomenon of nature. The impotence of the emergency services, and the population in general was registered in the many reports.

According to authorities, when they evacuated the region of Upala they started out with 8 shelters, covering 573 people, when the emergency began they had to open 7 more to receive a total of around 1200 people. Many people refused to leave their houses or businesses behind and ended up on the roofs of their houses trying to save their lives.

Today, Costa Rica unites, Ekono stores donated 30 million colones worth of new clothes (around $55 thousand USD) to the Costa Rican Red Cross, they are also promoting a campaign “Costa Rica needs you, united we can help” which encourages clients to buy an article of clothing in Ekono Store per every clothing article purchased Ekono will donate another one to the victims of the hurricane.

Gollo stores, donated 1,200 kilograms of rice, 1,500 kilograms of beans and 300 mattresses. They are also receiving donations of different nonperishable food which they will then take to the Red Cross for delivery in needed areas.

The neighbor country of Panama also solidarized with Costa Rica, sending humanitarian help to the communities affected. Paramedics, rescuers, trained professionals in attending emergencies are part of the human aid being sent to the country by Panama, which earlier this week also suffered the devastating effects of Otto.

The Costa Rican Red Cross in all its locations, the Rotary Club in San Jose, Automercado (Plaza Mayor, Alajuela, El Coco, Herradura, Moravia, Plaza Atlantis Escazu, Plaza del Sol Curridabat, Tamarindo and Tres Rios), Walmart in its different locations, are all working as gathering centers for nonperishable food and other donations such as: Baby formula, toilet paper, paper towels, sanitary towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, baby bottles, bed sheets, etc. To clarify, the Red Cross is NOT receiving clothes.

Many pets have also suffered the effects of the hurricane, and veterinary centers in different areas are collecting bags of dog and cat food, bowls, leashes, collars, and pet carriers; these donations can also be taken directly to SENASA (National Service of Health and Agro-Food Quality) offices in Barreal de Heredia. (2587-1690 / 2587-1864)

Donating is not the only way to help, if you are able to assist with volunteer work request information in the Red Cross near you.