The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has raised the alert level to yellow for communities near the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, located between the provinces of Alajuela and Guanacaste, because of ongoing eruptive activity, officials said Thursday.

The yellow alert, the second level of the country’s emergency alert system, calls for increased caution among emergency response teams and preparedness for a possible increase in volcanic activity.

Authorities also recommend that residents cover their faces and windows in the event of ashfall. If volcanic material flows into nearby rivers, people should avoid touching or drinking the water and should not give it to animals because it can be harmful to their health.

Pet owners and farmers are also advised to move feeding areas for pets and livestock away from large food containers. Farmers should cover the containers to prevent volcanic ash from contaminating the food.

The expanded alert covers the districts of Dos Ríos and Aguas Claras in Upala Canton, Alajuela Province, as well as Mayorga, Cañas Dulces and Curubandé in Liberia Canton, Guanacaste Province.

According to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OVSICORI), the volcano produced 170 columns of gas, rock and ash during the week. Scientists have also continued to detect sustained, low-frequency earthquakes.

However, no lava was emitted during either type of activity.

The ejections were characterized by the presence of high-temperature magma. When the magma comes into contact with water, the heat generated in the volcano's soil or at the surface causes the water to rapidly evaporate, resulting in a powerful explosion of steam, water and ash.

The volcano has a complex of nine craters, and its summit rises more than 6,200 feet above sea level and is known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs, fumaroles and mud pots. It's a national park that covers approximately 84,000 acres and is a popular destination for hiking and nature tourism.

The park is an important part of Costa Rica's natural heritage. Its distinctive landscape and geological features make it a popular destination for tourists and researchers.

OVSICORI, a research institute at the National University of Costa Rica, monitors seismic and volcanic activity throughout the country.

The CNE coordinates emergency preparedness and response efforts nationwide.

SINAC is the government agency responsible for managing Costa Rica's national parks and protected areas.

----------