Days after the powerful magmatic eruption of the Turrialba volcano in the province of Cartago, ash clouds and acid rain are affecting the lives of thousands of residents in Costa Rica. The impact of this geological aftermath has had a negative effect on public health and the agricultural sectors, but the tourism economy in the region has yet to report losses.

 

Although Costa Rica is a country where geologists have identified 112 volcanoes, only five are currently active. These five volcanoes are located within national parks that draw significant numbers of tourists each year: Arenal, Irazu, Poas, Turrialba, and Rincon de la Vieja (Old Lady’s Corner). Three of these five volcanoes are currently off limits to tourists due to their perceived risk of eruption: Turrialba, Poas and Rincon de la Vieja. The Turrialba is under a yellow alert that was upgraded from green by the National Committee on Emergencies, which means that there is a significant risk not only of volcanic eruptions but also because of persistent ash clouds, noxious gases and a strong chance of acid rain.

 

With regard to ash plumes that turn into clouds and precipitation, the Red Cross in Turrialba has reported dozens of cases of respiratory complications in the communities of Santa Rosa, Tierra Blanca and Pacayas. Red Cross workers have distributed surgical masks in the communities that lie on the skirts of the volcano, and they are conducting air quality checks twice a day. Nausea, vomiting and difficult breathing are the most common symptoms. In some cases, farm workers have also reported skin irritation.

 

According to a report filed by Tatiana Gutierrez of online news daily CRHoy, up to 65 hectares of broccoli, potatoes, carrots, and cauliflowers have been impacted, although it is still too early to estimate losses. Dairy cows are a major concern, hence the need for evacuating livestock.

 

An even greater concern in the coming days will be acid rain, which poses a greater potential to impact the lives of humans, animals and plants in the region. High concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) have been detected by satellite imagery, and Costa Rica is expected to experience two more weeks of rain before the dry season begins. High altitude flora and fauna are at higher risk of harm from acid rain than humans.