All eyes have been set on the activity of the Turrialba Volcano for months; however, this week the National University’s Volcanology and Seismology Research Institute (OVSICORI) alerted of increased activity at the Poás Volcano.

According to experts at OVSICORI, the monitoring of the volcano indicates that it has increased its seismic and fumarolic activity; in other words it is emanating more gas and water vapor and in the last week it has registered over 200 seismic movements a day.

As Holy Week approaches and considering that the Poás Volcano National Park is one of the most visited parks in Costa Rica, the OVISCORY has recommended to the pertinent authorities to take preventive measures , increase the surveillance and security in the park, especially in the observation deck.

Changes have been more noticeable after March 30 with the emergence of new fumaroles which may have contributed with the raise in the lake’s temperature, which went from 35⁰C to 40⁰C in just one week, the color of the lake also suffered visible changes going from green to a milky grey.

Last Saturday the volcano also registered several small phreatic (steam-driven) explosions; these occur when underground water is heated by magma or hot rocks.

The last time the volcano had activity peaks like these was in July of 2016 and in the period between 2006-2014.

The park remains open to the public, personnel at the park will continue to monitor the area and inform if there is a need to evacuate.