Turrialba Volcano calms, although vapor trails still visible

Turrialba Volcano returned to “normal activity” on Wednesday, experts from the National Seismological Network, the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory and the National Emergency Commission (CNE) reported after conducting an inspection in the craters on Tuesday.

However, volcanologists believe that it is important to keep the area under strict surveillance and to maintain preventive measures in all nearby communities.

On Tuesday, CNE officials evacuated 10 families from La Picada and La Silvia communities, both located next to the volcano.

The main effect so far is an accumulation of ash that is damaging pastures used to feed cattle. Dairy farming and agriculture are the main economic activities in the region, located east of the province of Cartago.

Latest reports indicate the Turrialba stopped expelling ashes, and currently only vapor and gases are being released from the craters. But the CNE is maintaining a green, or preventive, alert in the area. The volcano began spewing ash and vapor on Tuesday morning.

Scientists will analyze ash samples collected at the site to determine if they belong to the volcano’s surface or from deeper locations within the volcano.