A powerful eruption at Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano on Monday has prompted authorities to issue alerts for nearby communities due to the risk of ashfall and potential flooding.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) warned of increased ashfall in areas near the volcano, located in the Alajuela province.

The eruption sent a column of gas and ash soaring approximately 13,120 feet (4,000 meters) above the crater. It began at 2:14 p.m. and lasted about six minutes, accompanied by intense seismic activity,  according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori).

An Orange Alert remains in effect for the Toro Amarillo district, on the northwestern slopes of the volcano, as well as for Poás Volcano National Park. The alert level, which is the third-highest on the country’s scale, urges emergency response teams to stay vigilant and prepared for additional volcanic activity.

Following the eruption, volcanic debris, including ash, rocks, mud, and sulfur-contaminated water, was carried downstream via the Desagüe and Agrio rivers. Both rivers pass through the Toro Amarillo district. Authorities are urging the public to stay away from riverbanks due to the threat of mudflows and flash floods.

A Green Alert   is still in effect for surrounding cantons, including Alajuela City, Poás, Grecia, Sarchí, Naranjo, Zarcero, and Río Cuarto,  ensuring that emergency teams stay on standby and prepared for any changes in volcanic activity.

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.

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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