Tropical Storm Cristina causes 5 disappearances in Central America, triggers alerts

Tropical Storm Cristina has brought significant disruption to Central America, leaving five people missing in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican Red Cross reported the disappearances following the capsizing of two small boats off the coast of Guanacaste province due to strong waves. The National Meteorological Institute expects heavy rains to continue in Costa Rica on Monday and Tuesday.

In Honduras, nine of the country's 18 departments are under a 72-hour preventive alert. This measure is in response to the rains associated with Cristina, which could cause rivers and streams along the Pacific coast to overflow. The alert also addresses increased wave activity in the Gulf of Fonseca.

Guatemalan authorities have also declared an alert, anticipating potential flooding and intensified rainfall across the nation. Civil protection officials noted that recent rains could worsen due to the storm's impact. El Salvador's Directorate General of Civil Protection has issued a nationwide orange alert, as the storm is expected to increase moisture from the Pacific, leading to more clouds and rain.

Across these nations, officials are advising the public to take extra precautions in flood-prone areas. They also warned against exposure to isolated thunderstorms, strong waves, or sudden gusts of wind.