Three volcanoes erupting in the same period of time is not surprising, but it is certainly different from the normal volcanic pattern in Costa Rica.
In less than a month, Poás, Turrialba and Rincón de la Vieja volcano made eruptions characterized by the output of ash and gases.
As impressive as it is, there’s no reason to panic.
Poás and Turrialba have been in constant activity for some years, while Ricón de la Vieja surprised with substantial events in recent weeks.
This occurrence, practically simultaneous, had not happened in 30 years. The last time something similar occurred was in 1987, when Arenal, Poás and Rincón de la Vieja erupted.
Guillermo Alvarado, a volcanologist with the National Seismological Network (RSN), said that these coincidences are more common in other countries, such as El Salvador or Guatemala.
Arenal Volcano ceased its activity in 2010. However, that same year Turrialba Volcano began eruptive cycles that remain until today.
As for the Rincón de la Vieja, located in Guanacaste, there are eruptive events recorded since 1765. However, before the most recent eruptions, there was a cycle between 2011 and 2012.