 |
| Nicaragua and Costa Rica urged people in areas at risk from Otto to evacuate |
Hurricane Otto has strengthened to a Category 2 storm, meteorologists from the US National Hurricane Centre say.
The
hurricane is expected to make landfall on the Caribbean coast of
northern Costa Rica or southern Nicaragua later on Thursday.Costa Rica has declared a state of emergency and ordered the evacuation of 4,000 people from coastal areas.
Forecasters have warned of heavy rains which they fear would cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Potential for destruction
Four people died in Panama earlier this week as a result of severe weather caused by the approach of Hurricane Otto.A number of flights were cancelled in Costa Rica, but local media reported that US hard rock band Guns N' Roses were able to land ahead of their concert on Saturday.
Costa Rica has not been directly hit by a hurricane since records began in 1851.
A resident of the capital, San Jose, praised the authorities for their response.
"The government has been doing a great job in keeping people informed. We get messages constantly through our cell phones, mobile numbers," Gabriela Hernandez said.
Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis urged residents to heed official warnings.
"Let me be clear: the hurricane is potentially highly destructive. We hope no one gets hurt, but that is why we must be prepared, and follow the authorities' orders."
0 Response to "Hurricane Otto strengthens on course to Central America"
Posting Komentar