QCOSTARICA — Authorities announced on Tuesday the closure, for at least 48 hours, of the Poás Volcano National Park due to the increase in gas and ash activity recorded in recent days.
The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) reported that the decision to close was made in conjunction with the National Emergency Commission (CNE) as a preventive measure against the increase in gas emissions in the colossus, which is one of the most visited in Costa Rica.
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The notice explained that experts from the CNE and SINAC will carry out a series of measurements at the site today (Wednesday) to assess the reopening of the national park, which is located in the province of Alajuela, about 60 kilometers west of San José.
Read more: Poás volcano: explosive eruption came without warning
“The safety of tourists and our staff must come first, which is why it is necessary to temporarily close and guarantee safety for visitors once the prevention protocols are lifted,” said the MINAE minister, Franz Tattenbach, in a statement.
“Tourists who had paid their reservation to visit the volcano will be able to reschedule it or request a refund of the money,” added Tattenbach
Read more: Poás Volcano keeps spewing gas and ash
In recent days, the authorities have intensified surveillance of the volcano due to the increase in gas activity and the expulsion of ash, and on Tuesday the CNE established a green (preventive) alert.
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The experts explained that the wind, the little rain and the low humidity have favored the emissions from the Poás volcano to go directly into the atmosphere and be displaced to more distant places, reaching surrounding communities.
The natural lagoon of the crater, which is currently dry due to the summer, caused the expulsed materials to be contained within the crater itself or in its surroundings without affecting visits or nearby communities.
Residents closest to the volcano have reported slight ash fall and a strong smell of sulfur.
The CNE asked the population near the volcano to stay informed and comply with official messages, avoid exposing themselves unnecessarily, and cover their respiratory tract and eyes.
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Between 2017 and 2018, the Poás Volcano National Park was closed for 16 months due to the constant activity of gases and ash, which caused economic damage to nearby communities that depend on tourism.
The Poás volcano, with a crater height of 2,708 meters (8,884 feet), is one of the most active in Costa Rica due to its continuous emission of gases.
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