American Expatriate Costa Rica

Poás Volcano won’t be reopened until Wednesday

The technical closure of Poás Volcano National Park will on Tuesday and its reopening would be early on Wednesday. This was confirmed by the National Emergency Commission (CNE), after the meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee (CAT) of Volcanology and Seismology.

The intention is to maintain an observation “window” to evaluate the evolution of the volcano’s behavior, guarantee the protection of tourists and park rangers, since the recent seismic activity has been similar to that of last Sunday before the major event.

According to Alexander Solís, president of the CNE, this observation window has been part of the measures that have been taken several times, in order to find a midpoint in which the least impact on tourism can be generated, but also the greatest security for both visitors and park guards.

This Monday, the decision was made to apply a technical closure in the area due to the fall of a very acidic and highly corrosive saline foam that occurred last Friday and Saturday, and the ash eruption of almost three kilometers high.

The authorities insist on not approaching the area to avoid accidents. The CNE issued the following recommendations:

-If you are in an area with ash fall, use respiratory protection, but the main thing is to move away from the affected area.
-People with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as susceptible persons such as newborns and older adults, are advised to remain inside buildings, homes and avoid unnecessary exposure to gases and ashes.
-Wear glasses instead of contact lenses to protect the eyes from irritation.

crhoy.com