Poás Volcano Erupts Twice in One Night: Strongest Activity Recorded
Significant eruptions reported at Costa Rica's Poás Volcano with continuing monitoring and safety measures enacted.
On the morning of April 8, Poás Volcano in Costa Rica experienced two powerful eruptions, marking the strongest activity recorded from the volcano this year, according to the Costa Rican Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (Ovsicori-UNA).
The first eruption occurred at 2:18 AM, resulting in a column of gases, ash, and steam that reached 1,500 meters above the crater's rim, which stands at an elevation of 2,687 meters in Alajuela province.
A subsequent volcanic pulse was detected at 2:24 AM, although it was of lesser intensity compared to the first.
The second and more forceful eruption was recorded at 6:41 AM, consistent with the earlier activity and characterized by a significant release of ash, volcanic gases, and steam.
This second plume of ash extended for approximately ten minutes and moved predominantly southwest, influenced by low wind conditions, making it visible from various locations in the Central Valley.
The first eruption was linked to the C vent of the active crater, with detailed observations obtained through web cameras and seismic and acoustic recordings.
Variable wind conditions in the area, generally directed southeast with occasional shifts to the southwest, could affect ash dispersal in surrounding communities.
Ovsicori has maintained a 'Caution' alert level for the volcano, advising residents to stay updated through official channels.
Geological expert Lidier Esquivel from the National Emergency Commission (CNE) stated in a press conference that the duration of this volcanic activity remains uncertain, potentially lasting from days to months.
The Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the situation and is coordinating with various institutions within the National Risk Management System.
Local Municipal Committees are being supported to activate their emergency protocols in response to the ongoing volcanic activity.
Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy, noted that the National Conservation Areas System (Sinac) is working closely with the Traffic Police and the Ministry of Public Security to prevent unauthorized access to the Poás Volcano National Park, which has been closed since March 26 and is under an orange alert.
Sinac has also urged the Legislative Assembly to enact reforms aimed at mitigating unauthorized entries to national parks and protected areas.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has implemented precautionary measures for the 267 educational institutions in the seven most affected cantons.
Evacuation routes and gathering points have been established, while students and teachers have been advised to limit outdoor activities, use face masks, and rely on information from official communication channels.
The first eruption occurred at 2:18 AM, resulting in a column of gases, ash, and steam that reached 1,500 meters above the crater's rim, which stands at an elevation of 2,687 meters in Alajuela province.
A subsequent volcanic pulse was detected at 2:24 AM, although it was of lesser intensity compared to the first.
The second and more forceful eruption was recorded at 6:41 AM, consistent with the earlier activity and characterized by a significant release of ash, volcanic gases, and steam.
This second plume of ash extended for approximately ten minutes and moved predominantly southwest, influenced by low wind conditions, making it visible from various locations in the Central Valley.
The first eruption was linked to the C vent of the active crater, with detailed observations obtained through web cameras and seismic and acoustic recordings.
Variable wind conditions in the area, generally directed southeast with occasional shifts to the southwest, could affect ash dispersal in surrounding communities.
Ovsicori has maintained a 'Caution' alert level for the volcano, advising residents to stay updated through official channels.
Geological expert Lidier Esquivel from the National Emergency Commission (CNE) stated in a press conference that the duration of this volcanic activity remains uncertain, potentially lasting from days to months.
The Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the situation and is coordinating with various institutions within the National Risk Management System.
Local Municipal Committees are being supported to activate their emergency protocols in response to the ongoing volcanic activity.
Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy, noted that the National Conservation Areas System (Sinac) is working closely with the Traffic Police and the Ministry of Public Security to prevent unauthorized access to the Poás Volcano National Park, which has been closed since March 26 and is under an orange alert.
Sinac has also urged the Legislative Assembly to enact reforms aimed at mitigating unauthorized entries to national parks and protected areas.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has implemented precautionary measures for the 267 educational institutions in the seven most affected cantons.
Evacuation routes and gathering points have been established, while students and teachers have been advised to limit outdoor activities, use face masks, and rely on information from official communication channels.
