San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rican authorities have raised the alert level for the Poás Volcano, located in the central province of Alajuela, following heightened eruptive activity this week. The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has issued a red alert for the Poás Volcano National Park, an orange alert for the cantons of Grecia and Sarchí, and a yellow alert for several nearby cantons, including Río Cuarto, Zarcero, Naranjo, Poás, and Alajuela.
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This increase in activity comes after multiple eruptions, with the volcano spewing gas and ash plumes that reached heights of up to 4,000 meters above the crater. On Wednesday, two eruptions occurred, followed by another eruption on Monday, further raising concerns about the safety of nearby communities.
Authorities have urged extreme caution for residents living under the orange alert, where ashfall and hazardous gases are present. The use of masks and damp cloths to seal windows and doors is strongly advised. Communities on yellow alert, which may also experience ashfall and gases due to shifting wind patterns, are being advised to wear face masks for protection.
Since March, the National Emergency Commission has been monitoring the volcano closely due to its persistent activity, which has included gas and ash eruptions and rock falls. The Poás Volcano, which stands at 2,708 meters above sea level, is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Its National Park, famous for its stunning crater, has been closed to the public since March.
In addition to air quality concerns, authorities have issued a special warning about the rivers near the volcano. Volcanic material in the water could pose health risks, and residents are advised to avoid handling or approaching the rivers.
Poás Volcano’s increased activity has resulted in periodic park closures in the past. Notably, between 2017 and 2018, the park was closed for 16 months due to persistent volcanic emissions, significantly impacting the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism. Although the park is currently closed, authorities are actively working to assess and manage the evolving situation to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels for the latest information on the volcano’s activity and safety measures.
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