The Municipality of Santa Ana is assessing damage following reported tornado-like winds that struck the area.
On May 23, 2025, strong winds hit the canton of Santa Ana in San José,
Costa Rica, resulting in significant property damage as reported by the National Emergency Commission (CNE).
According to preliminary assessments, the winds were intense enough to detach roofs from multiple houses.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., primarily affecting the communities of Piedades and Río Oro.
Local residents documented the events, capturing videos that show what appeared to be a funnel-like vortex associated with the high winds.
Emergency services received numerous calls regarding the disturbances; however, no injuries have been reported, and authorities indicated that all damage reported thus far is material.
As of the latest updates, the Municipal Emergency Committee of Santa Ana is conducting evaluations to gather detailed information on the situation and the extent of the damages.
The official report regarding the total impact of the winds has yet to be released.
In a separate but related context,
Costa Rica's Caribbean lowlands have been grappling with a series of fish kills, prompting concern over environmental practices in agricultural sectors.
The Madre de Dios and Santa Marta lagoons are experiencing significant declines in fish populations attributed to chemical runoff from nearby banana and pineapple plantations.
This issue continues to threaten the livelihoods of local fishers as well as the region's eco-tourism appeal, highlighting the potential for compounded environmental challenges in
Costa Rica.