Experts at the National Emergency Commission (CNE) on Tuesday conducted an aerial inspection over the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, located in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, after receiving several reports of activity.
A team of experts from the CNE, the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica and the National Seismological Network took off at 6 a.m. to verify the activity. A first report at 11:25 a.m. stated that “small eruptions were seen at the crater lake, but cloudy conditions prevented a clearer view.”
CNE issued a green (preventive) alert in areas surrounding the volcano late last year, both for residents and visitors to the Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
CNE Chief Operating Officer Walter Fonseca said they received multiple reports that the volcano has been spewing ashes and rocks in recent days.
Rincón de la Vieja was active in May, July and September 2012. In July, authorities closed tourist access to the crater area.
The volcano is 1,916 meters tall and is one of five active volcanoes in Costa Rica, along with Poás, Irazú, Arenal and Turrialba.
