Costa Rica's Turrialba Volcano Erupts

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The tragic earthquake that shook Haiti this week reminded me of recent seismic and volcanic activity at Turrialba volcano, 42 miles (70 kilometers) east of San José, Costa Rica.

The 10,958-foot (3,340-meter) volcano, the country’s most easterly, was last active during the nineteenth century and has slumbered peacefully since its last eruption in 1886. In 2001, it showed signs of awakening after 135 years of dormancy. Two years ago, activity began to intensify.

Last April the volcano began to emit high levels of sulfuric gas. Park Rangers at the Turrialba Volcano National Park went on guard (the park is the only one in Costa Rica where visitors can actually hike into the crater). Then, BOOM! On 6th January 2010, the volcano erupted. By historical standards it wasn't an earth-shattering eruption. But ash and gas clouds reached 300 feet (100 m) high, and high winds from the east spread ash toward San José and the highly populated areas of the Meseta Central.
Twenty people were evacuated. Activity continues. Late last week the evacuation zone was expanded to a four mile (7 km) radius, and the Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) activated emergency and evacuation committees in case of a major eruption. Fortunately, the volcano's upper flanks are sparsely populated. And unlike Arenal volcano, there are very few hotels hereabouts.

Visitors planning on visiting Turrialba any time soon should check with Turrialba Lodge for a status report. For accommodations at a safe distance, consider Casa Turire, one of my favorite hotels in Costa Rica. It offers great views towards Turrialba volcano.

Click here for more information on Turrialba Volcano National Park