Volcanic Activity Intensifies at Costa Rica's Poás Volcano, Triggering Alert
Recent eruptions have prompted heightened caution as ash and gas emissions escalate.
Eruptive activity at Poás Volcano in Costa Rica has heightened, with significant eruptions reported during the early hours of April 1, 2025. Between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) recorded emissions of incandescent rocks and gases that reached elevations of approximately 400 to 500 meters above the crater.
Geologist Geoffroy Avard of OVSICORI specified that due to the use of infrared technology, even lower temperature incandescent blocks, typically invisible to the naked eye, were captured in the eruption recordings.
The recent volcanic activity follows a series of eruptions that began intensifying on March 31, when ash and gas plumes soared as high as 600 meters.
Earlier that day, another significant eruption resulted in a plume reaching 200 meters.
Notably, the most powerful eruption previously occurred on March 29, when ash and gas emissions reached 1,000 meters.
The subsequent ash fallout from these events has affected various communities, including Bajos del Toro and parts of the cantons of Grecia and Poás, leading to increased concern regarding air quality.
Following these developments, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) has escalated the alert level to orange for the areas surrounding Poás Volcano National Park and the Toro Amarillo district in Sarchí.
This designation mandates enhanced monitoring and preventive measures, including the indefinite closure of the national park, which first took effect on March 28. The CNE has also issued alerts for nearby cantons, maintaining a green alert status in some regions.
As volcanic activity continues, Avard noted that the eruption characteristics remain akin to earlier patterns this year but with increased intensity.
The ongoing seismic activity and gas emissions raise concerns about the potential for further eruptions.
The CNE has recommended that individuals avoid high-risk zones near the park, particularly the crater rim, due to hazardous conditions.
Additionally, ashfall and sulfur dioxide emissions pose health risks, particularly in urban areas like Alajuela and Heredia, where some residents have reported respiratory irritation.
OVSICORI has classified the alert at level 3 out of 4, signifying considerable concern but not the maximum emergency status.
Authorities are actively monitoring the volcano's behavior and are prepared to assist the communities affected by the eruptions.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed through official updates as the situation develops.
Geologist Geoffroy Avard of OVSICORI specified that due to the use of infrared technology, even lower temperature incandescent blocks, typically invisible to the naked eye, were captured in the eruption recordings.
The recent volcanic activity follows a series of eruptions that began intensifying on March 31, when ash and gas plumes soared as high as 600 meters.
Earlier that day, another significant eruption resulted in a plume reaching 200 meters.
Notably, the most powerful eruption previously occurred on March 29, when ash and gas emissions reached 1,000 meters.
The subsequent ash fallout from these events has affected various communities, including Bajos del Toro and parts of the cantons of Grecia and Poás, leading to increased concern regarding air quality.
Following these developments, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) has escalated the alert level to orange for the areas surrounding Poás Volcano National Park and the Toro Amarillo district in Sarchí.
This designation mandates enhanced monitoring and preventive measures, including the indefinite closure of the national park, which first took effect on March 28. The CNE has also issued alerts for nearby cantons, maintaining a green alert status in some regions.
As volcanic activity continues, Avard noted that the eruption characteristics remain akin to earlier patterns this year but with increased intensity.
The ongoing seismic activity and gas emissions raise concerns about the potential for further eruptions.
The CNE has recommended that individuals avoid high-risk zones near the park, particularly the crater rim, due to hazardous conditions.
Additionally, ashfall and sulfur dioxide emissions pose health risks, particularly in urban areas like Alajuela and Heredia, where some residents have reported respiratory irritation.
OVSICORI has classified the alert at level 3 out of 4, signifying considerable concern but not the maximum emergency status.
Authorities are actively monitoring the volcano's behavior and are prepared to assist the communities affected by the eruptions.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed through official updates as the situation develops.
