In a dramatic turn of events, Costa Ricas Poás Volcano erupted today, sending ash plumes and sulfur gases into the atmosphere and prompting authorities to close the Poás Volcano National Park temporarily. The eruption, which began earlier this morning, has heightened concerns over the safety of nearby residents and tourists, triggering a green alert in surrounding areas.
Ash and Gas Emissions Signal Renewed Activity
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica OVSICORI reported that the eruption was characterized by the expulsion of ash and gas, with plumes reaching up to 300 meters above the volcanos crater. The activity follows a period of increased seismic and volcanic activity observed in recent weeks, with authorities noting that the volcano had been under heightened scrutiny since early 2025 due to signs of escalating eruptions.
This mornings eruption marks the most significant volcanic event this year, following smaller eruptions in January and February. OVSICORIs Maarten de Moor explained that the eruption type was phreatomagmaticcaused by the interaction between steam and magmaindicating a shift from the more waterdriven eruptions witnessed last year. Reports from local residents have indicated the presence of strong sulfur odors, and ashfall has been observed in several towns to the west of the volcano, including Alajuela and Sarchí.
Authorities Respond to Heightened Risk
In response to the eruption, Costa Ricas National System of Conservation Areas SINAC and OVSICORI immediately closed the Poás Volcano National Park to visitors. While the park had operated with limited capacity earlier this year due to safety concerns, todays eruption has prompted a full shutdown. This closure is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of tourists and residents in the area, as the volcanos activity remains unpredictable.
Although the eruption did not involve violent expulsion of stones or molten rock, the significant release of gas and ash poses a risk, particularly to air quality. Authorities have urged the population to avoid exposure to the ash and gases. For those living in highrisk areas, such as near the volcanos summit, residents are advised to stay indoors, close windows, and use damp cloths to reduce the impact of airborne ash.
The green alert status issued by the National Emergency Commission CNE applies to the cantons of Alajuela, Poás, and other surrounding areas. Although the eruption has not yet caused major destruction or direct threats to nearby communities, authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, as the volcanic activity remains volatile.
Comparing Current and Past Activity
The eruption at Poás today is part of an ongoing pattern of heightened activity that began in late 2024. The volcanos eruptions have been more frequent this year, and the volcano has shown increased signs of magmatic movement, especially compared to 2024, when eruptions were mostly limited to the Cmouth vent. Experts are concerned that the current activity may lead to larger eruptions in the coming days or weeks, especially as sulfur dioxide levels have spiked and there are signs of increasing seismic activity.
In 2024, the volcanos activity was primarily characterized by phreatic eruptions, where water vapor caused explosions without significant magma involvement. However, the shift to phreatomagmatic eruptions this year suggests a more significant input of magma, increasing the likelihood of more powerful eruptions in the future.
Whats Next for Poás Volcano and Its Surroundings
As authorities assess the situation, residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated on official communications. The government and local authorities have emphasized the importance of remaining informed, as volcanic events can develop rapidly. Despite the current eruption, no immediate threat of largescale destruction has been reported, but the situation remains fluid.
For visitors planning to tour Costa Rica, the closure of Poás Volcano National Park is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of active volcanoes in the region. While Costa Rica remains a top destination for ecotourism, travelers should exercise caution and always heed the advice of local authorities during volcanic events.