The estimated 65 Costa Ricans who will be repatriated from Puerto Rico Saturday, Oct. 7 will be leaving behind destruction caused by Hurricane Maria, and entering into a Costa Rica battling the aftermath of Tropical Storm Nate.

Such is life in the hurricane-hounded Caribbean basin.

This is the Costa Rican government’s first ever humanitarian repatriation flight held for its citizens, said the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

The Foreign Ministry registered a total of 65 Costa Ricans who requested to be repatriated. At present, the consular register in Puerto Rico includes 255 Costa Rican residents.
“Due to the limitations in electricity and communications on the island, we have used the media, social networks and other alternatives to establish contact with Costa Ricans in Puerto Rico through our consul.
This week was also sent personnel from the Costa Rican Consulate in Miami to support the repatriation process,” added Minister Gonzalez.
The repatriation will take place Saturday, October 7 at 11:45 a.m. on a humanitarian charter flight operated by Volaris and will arrive at Air Surveillance Base 2 in Alajuela, where they will be received by government authorities and their families.
Volaris airline, which canceled two trips to Guatemala to carry out the humanitarian flight will be charging the Government of Costa Rica only the costs of fuel and food for the operation, said the ministry.

“We are honored to be part of the rescue efforts and are doing everything we can to facilitate their relocation, so that they will soon return to their homes and reunite with their families,” said Fernando Naranjo, general manager of Volaris Costa Rica.
A team of five officials in charge of consular, migratory and relief support will travel to Puerto Rico to assist in the coordination of the repatriation.