New explosion of ash at Costa Rica’s Turrialba Volcano

Costa Rica’s Turrialba Volcano, located 50 kilometers east of San José, erupted at 1:12 p.m. on Monday and launched ash and vapor into the air for about 10 minutes, experts with the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and the National University (UNA) reported.

This is the second event this month after another 10-minute explosion recorded on Dec. 7. also spewed ash and gases into the air.

Experts from UNA’s Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) reported the explosion reached just under 400 meters in height.

UCR’s Mauricio Mora at 2:30 reported there were no more explosions. Mora was conducting an inspection in the volcano’s surrounding areas and said experts are evaluating whether the explosion was an isolated event or is part of an eruptive process.

OVSICORI on its website reported that current wind conditions likely would take the ash west, and residents northeast of the capital – such as in Coronado and Sabanilla – could experience ash falling on their roofs and properties.

Turrialba Volcano has seen constant activity that in the past five years has prompted several evacuations of residents and farm animals.

Staff from the National System of Conservation Areas posted a picture of ash covering one of their vehicles in the community of La Central, on the outskirts of Turrialba volcano.