Alert issued for river near Costa Rica’s active volcano

You Might
Also Like

Published on Monday, March 31, 2025

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Authorities have issued a warning advising the public to stay away from the banks of the Desagüe River, which runs along the western slopes of Poás Volcano, in Alajuela Province, due to increased volcanic activity.

The Emergency Commission (CNE) raised the alert following a surge in eruptions, warning that volcanic debris, including ash, rocks, mud, and sulfur-contaminated water, could be carried downstream by the river toward the Bajos del Toro district.

“We strongly urge the public to avoid the riverbanks,” said Lidier Esquivel, head of the CNE. “It is very likely that we will begin to experience mudflows or flash floods. It is not advisable to be near the river, let alone inside it.”

The volcano has experienced frequent and intense eruptions over the past two weeks. The most powerful eruption this month occurred Saturday at 10:54 p.m., when a gas and ash column reached 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above the crater, according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori). The eruption was accompanied by intense seismic activity, with frequencies ranging from 0.6 to 4 hertz.

Authorities have issued a Green Alert for the surrounding cantons to keep emergency teams on standby. In addition, a Yellow Alert remains in effect for Poás Volcano National Park, signaling the high likelihood of a large-scale natural event affecting the area.

As a precaution, the park is closed to tourists until further notice. Visitors who purchased tickets during the closure may reschedule their visit or request a refund by contacting the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) at poas.info@sinac.go.cr.

Panoramic Ocean View House
and Infinity Pool for Sale

For more info visit
Rich Coast Realty’s website

To reschedule, visitors must provide their preferred date and time. For refunds, they must submit a copy of the ticket, proof of payment, a valid ID, and bank account details for the transfer.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as volcanic activity persists.

The national park covers approximately 16,000 acres, with its summit reaching an elevation of 8,900 feet. Visitors are typically allowed to walk to the edge of the main crater, depending on conditions.

The main crater, measuring 950 feet wide, remains highly active, regularly producing geyser-like eruptions and lava outbursts. The park also features two smaller craters: Von Frantzius and Botos. The Botos Crater is a popular tourist attraction, known for its striking green lake with a diameter of 1,200 feet.

In addition to its volcanic landscapes, the park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Birdwatchers may spot the clay-colored robin, quetzal, hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, and toucans. Mammals found in the park include pumas, coyotes, rabbits, and marmots among many others.

OVSICORI is a research institute at the National University of Costa Rica that monitors seismic and volcanic activity.

CNE coordinates emergency preparedness and response efforts across the country.

SINAC manages Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas.

---------------
What measures should Costa Rica take to ensure the safety of communities near Poás Volcano? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com