The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has raised the alert level at the Poás Volcano National Park in Alajuela province from Orange to Red due to a dramatic increase in volcanic activity.

Authorities escalated the alert after an eruption surge, warning that volcanic debris, including ash, rocks, mud, and sulfur-contaminated water, may be carried downstream through rivers such as Desagüe,  Agrio, Anono and Gorrión.

These rivers flow from the volcano through the Toro Amarillo district. Officials are urging the public to stay away from riverbanks due to the risk of mudflows and flash floods.

The Red Alert is the highest level on Costa Rica’s emergency scale and is triggered when a natural threat escalates significantly in scope and intensity. It activates emergency protocols, including possible evacuations and mobilizing all available response resources.

In addition, the alert level has been raised from Yellow to Orange for the nearby towns of Grecia and Sarchí, located on the slopes of the volcano. This third-highest alert level advises emergency response teams to stay on high alert and prepare for potential escalation.

Surrounding areas, including Alajuela City, Poás, Naranjo, Zarcero, and Río Cuarto, have been elevated from Green to Yellow alert status. This second-level alert urges emergency teams to stand by for large-scale eruptions that could directly affect those communities.

The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (Ovsicori) recorded three major eruptions at Poás Volcano in less than 24 hours. The most recent occurred early Thursday at 1:07 a.m., sending a column of gas and ash more than 3,280 feet (about 1,000 meters) into the air above the crater. Two earlier eruptions took place on Wednesday. The first began at 5:29 a.m., ejecting a gas-and-ash column nearly 9,842 feet (3,000 meters) high. A second eruption followed at 7:44 a.m., launching another column approximately 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) into the air. Each of the eruptions lasted between one and five minutes.

Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautions to minimize health risks from volcanic ash.

Experts recommend the following safety measures:

• Stay indoors whenever possible.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce skin exposure.

• Use goggles to protect your eyes.

• Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses to prevent irritation.

• Use a dust mask or a damp cloth over your nose and mouth to aid breathing.

• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

• Keep pets indoors and brush or vacuum them after they return inside.

• Stay informed by following updates from local officials.

The volcano's alert level is currently at 3, signaling a potential threat to nearby communities. This heightened caution allows experts to closely monitor ongoing eruptions, gas emissions, temperature changes, seismic activity, ash fall, acid rain, and hazardous gases.

As a precaution, Poás Volcano National 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.

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 closely monitor the situation as volcanic activity persists.

A.M. Costa Rica encourages readers to share this alert with their networks.

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.