Turrialba Volcano spewing ash and gas

Turrialba volcano is acting up lately, according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori).

On Wednesday, a little before 3 p.m., the volcano jettisoned water vapor, ash and gas into the air. Nearby residents reported seeing towering clouds that showered ash on several communities, according to an Ovsicori report.

An Ovsicori pilot flying over the area confirmed that a cloud reaching between 14,000 and 20,000 feet in altitude emanated from the same area that saw an eruption of ash and gas on January 12. A report issued by the observatory after that eruption indicated a new fumarole formed on the southeast flank of the volcano’s crater during the eruption, but noted that the danger of a major eruption was small.

The observatory report said Wednesday’s rumblings were stronger and threw more ash and gas into the atmosphere than the one on the 12th. A group of volcanologists is working near the crater of Turrialba, Ovsicori said, monitoring the activity.