Experts from the Investigation Unit of the National Emergency Commission are in the process of inspecting the zone where a massive avalanche of trees, rocks and mud caused damages in the Juan Castro Blanco National Park located in Alajuela Province.

This park features thermal pools (Fila Chocosuela), active volcanic vents (Platanar Volcano), inactive volcanic vents (Cerro Viejo, Cerro Pelon), volcanic cones and rugged topography.

Wildlife is varied and includes species such as quetzals, wild turkeys, chachalacas, black guans, monkeys, armadillos, agoutis and tapirs.

The park is home to Pozo Verde Lake, the source of about 50 rivers and some of Costa Rica's biggest waterfalls: Toro, Aguas Gatas, Gorrion and Claro River. Currently, no tourists are allowed.

According to Julio Madrigal, a Geologist of the National Emergency Commission, the avalanches in the area are usually due to the topography of the place. But this last one that happened from Sunday to Monday was oversized and so far the affectation has been estimated at 40 hectares or more.

It is estimated that the main avalanche covered a distance of 15 kilometers from the top mountainous area of the park to cover a large part of the Aguas Zarcas River in San Carlos Canton.

The avalanche path still had a lot of debris that could continue to be washed away by the river. "The mud flows from the mountain to the lower parts and will be constant and mainly when there are heavy rains in the area," the experts said.

Authorities plan to make plane overflights to record the damage in the upper part of the mountains and have more accurate data on the area where the avalanche occurred.

Subsequent analysis will determine if the avalanche was generated by soil erosion or by extreme rainfall.

Specialists warn that there is still a possibility that rivers of mud will continue to fall, dragging trees and stones toward the lower areas of the park, which could affect nearby communities.

Authorities called for caution, mainly for the inhabitants of the communities of Concepción, La Palmera, La Loma and Aguas Zarcas, to avoid approaching the rivers and the affected mountainous area. They recommended staying informed about avalanche alert updates in that area.

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