Rincón de la Vieja Volcano registers moderate eruption

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in northern Costa Rica erupted Sunday morning, sending a column of gas 1.5 km into the skies above its crater.

According to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), the eruption began at 10:14 a.m. and lasted approximately one minute.

“As a result of the hydrothermal explosion, materials such as sludge, rocks and sediments were expelled from the crater toward the rivers of the north face,” the National Emergency Commission (CNE) said.

Authorities have not reported any damage or injuries produced by the eruption, but CNE advised nearby communities to be cautious with strong river currents associated with hydrothermal eruptions.

Prior to Sunday, the volcano had last erupted in January, sending volcanic rock into nearby rivers.

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is located in the eponymous national park in the Guanacaste province. The National Park attracts visitors due to its unique flora and fauna, waterfalls and geothermal activity.

A trail to the crater summit has remained closed in recent years due to volcanic activity.

The area also houses the La Pailas power plant, which harnesses geothermal energy from the volcano.