The eruption “reached about 2500 meters above the summit” and its current activity is considered “high”.
The Rincon de la Vieja volcano, located in the province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica, recorded an explosive eruption on Friday, without affecting the population or the infrastructures, according to the authorities.
The eruption of this volcano, which culminates at 1895 meters above sea level, “reached about 2500 meters above the summit, mainly throwing hot materials out of the lake (from the crater) which are transported by rivers towards the north face. of the volcano,” geologist Blas Sanchez said in a video released to the press by the National Emergency Commission (CNE).
“This volcano has recorded eruptions throughout the week, although not as large as this one, and has released material into rivers, giving it high activity,” Blas added. Sanchez.
“Significant” seismicity and small eruptions
The CNE geologist pointed out that this type of eruption “suggests an increase in activity”.
The volcano is currently at alert level 2 on a danger scale of 4, which means “significant” seismicity and small eruptions with “significant emission of acid gases”, according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori).
For the time being, the authorities have asked the inhabitants of the localities located on the northern slope of the volcano not to approach the rivers and streams which descend from it because of possible contamination by the materials projected during the eruption. .
No damage to people or infrastructure was reported, the CNE said. Costa Rica is home to 120 volcanoes, but only five of them are still active.
