Ongoing Activity of Poás Volcano Raises Concerns Over Potential Eruptions
Experts report sustained volcanic activity with possible magma movement as ash and gas emissions persist.
The Poás Volcano in Costa Rica remains highly active, exhibiting continuous eruptive behavior since November 2024, with experts indicating that this activity could intensify and that there is a possibility of magma reaching the surface.
Geoffroy Avard, a volcanologist from the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (Ovsicori), highlighted during a press conference that the current eruption is fueled by a magmatic source beneath the volcano.
Although the exact timeline for this eruptive activity's conclusion is unknown, the continual influx of magmatic material suggests the eruptions will persist.
According to Avard, it remains unclear whether the magma will make its way to the surface or remain underground.
He noted that while there is a chance of the magma cooling and degassing without erupting, a portion might still escape.
Ovsicori has been monitoring the situation closely but ascertains that the volume of magma present is relatively small, which reduces immediate fears of a catastrophic eruption.
Avard reassured the public that the current magmatic body does not indicate an imminent major event, stating that any potential eruptive episodes expected in the near future will likely be of lower intensity.
Recent activity includes an eruption observed early on April 4, 2025, which produced an ash plume reaching 300 meters in height.
The volcano has been emitting fine ash particles, volcanic gases, and rock fragments, with varying eruption energy levels noted by specialists.
The prevailing winds have transported gases and ash predominantly to the west-southwest, affecting nearby areas.
The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) has implemented an orange alert for Poás Volcano and the surrounding districts of Toro Amarillo in Sarchí, while maintaining a green alert for additional neighboring cantons.
Community members are being urged to handle water from affected rivers cautiously, due to the presence of acidic volcanic sediment that could cause skin irritation.
The past weeks have witnessed a notable increase in seismic activity, following a reactivation period that began in late 2024. Avard stated that the frequency of volcanic tremors has been heightened, reflecting the ongoing eruptive phase.
Ovsicori experts have detailed that while the situation is being closely monitored, public information should be relied upon only from official sources to avoid panic or the spread of misinformation.
Given the high probability of continued eruptions, they also noted that increased ash accumulation has been reported, comparing it to the height of a three-story building in some areas near the crater.
Residents in the vicinity of the volcano have provided reports and multimedia documentation of volcanic materials, including ash and acidic runoff affecting local river systems such as the Desagüe, Agrio, and Toro rivers.
The CNE reiterated the importance of heeding official advice regarding safety measures related to volcanic activity, especially as adverse weather conditions may exacerbate the current situation.
Geoffroy Avard, a volcanologist from the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (Ovsicori), highlighted during a press conference that the current eruption is fueled by a magmatic source beneath the volcano.
Although the exact timeline for this eruptive activity's conclusion is unknown, the continual influx of magmatic material suggests the eruptions will persist.
According to Avard, it remains unclear whether the magma will make its way to the surface or remain underground.
He noted that while there is a chance of the magma cooling and degassing without erupting, a portion might still escape.
Ovsicori has been monitoring the situation closely but ascertains that the volume of magma present is relatively small, which reduces immediate fears of a catastrophic eruption.
Avard reassured the public that the current magmatic body does not indicate an imminent major event, stating that any potential eruptive episodes expected in the near future will likely be of lower intensity.
Recent activity includes an eruption observed early on April 4, 2025, which produced an ash plume reaching 300 meters in height.
The volcano has been emitting fine ash particles, volcanic gases, and rock fragments, with varying eruption energy levels noted by specialists.
The prevailing winds have transported gases and ash predominantly to the west-southwest, affecting nearby areas.
The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) has implemented an orange alert for Poás Volcano and the surrounding districts of Toro Amarillo in Sarchí, while maintaining a green alert for additional neighboring cantons.
Community members are being urged to handle water from affected rivers cautiously, due to the presence of acidic volcanic sediment that could cause skin irritation.
The past weeks have witnessed a notable increase in seismic activity, following a reactivation period that began in late 2024. Avard stated that the frequency of volcanic tremors has been heightened, reflecting the ongoing eruptive phase.
Ovsicori experts have detailed that while the situation is being closely monitored, public information should be relied upon only from official sources to avoid panic or the spread of misinformation.
Given the high probability of continued eruptions, they also noted that increased ash accumulation has been reported, comparing it to the height of a three-story building in some areas near the crater.
Residents in the vicinity of the volcano have provided reports and multimedia documentation of volcanic materials, including ash and acidic runoff affecting local river systems such as the Desagüe, Agrio, and Toro rivers.
The CNE reiterated the importance of heeding official advice regarding safety measures related to volcanic activity, especially as adverse weather conditions may exacerbate the current situation.
