After the recent increase in activity of the Poás Volcano, and the eruption that took place yesterday evening (Wednesday) ,the Ministry of Environment and the National System of Conservation Areas in coordination with the National Emergency Commission (CNE) announced that the National Park will remain closed as a preventive measure and to allow the evaluation of the situation at the volcano by the specialists.

The National Emergency Commission declared green alert in seven counties of the Alajuela province: Poás, Valverde Vega, Alajuela, Zarcero, Grecia, San Carlos and Río Cuarto.

In the inspection carried out this morning by the CNE they have determined that the flash flood that occurred last night didn’t cause damages in bridges or roads.

According to the CNE the water-flow didn’t affect the bridges, roads or houses, but the presence of people or animals close to the rivers (Desague, Agrio and Gata) is not recommended, in the event of new activity.

The green alert urges neighbors in the counties mentioned to remain informed about the activity of the volcano, to report any situation with the corresponding authorities and communicate about security and preventive measures.

The National Park will remain closed this Friday, April 14, at which point and after the inspections and technical assessment of the situation by experts, the authorities will inform of whether it will open doors again for the weekend or not.

The phreatic (steam-driven) eruption that occurred on Wednesday evening could have reached 1000 meters in altitude, it lasted for almost 40 minutes and it caused a crack in one of the crater walls.

Update:

A new eruption was registered this Thursday, April 13 at 3:46 p.m.