QCOSTARICA – It was 5:49pm Friday afternoon when the Turriabla volcano registered “a major seismic signal”, a tremor lasting about 13 minutes, according to the Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN) – National Seismological Network and the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (Ovsicori) -Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica.
According to volcanologist at the RSN, Gino Gonzalez, after the tremor, it was confirmed that indeed the volcano is erupting.
“Ashfall was recorded up to 2 kilometres from the centre of the volcano. The seismic activity has decreased, but remains,” said Gonzalez.
Javier Pacheco, volcanologist at the Oviscori, confirmed the tremor, saying the seismic activity could be associated with an eruption, this would be the first major event in more than a month of inactivity.
The ash cloud did not reach far. According to Turrialba volcano park rangers, reports of ash were in the area of La Silvia and La Central, all areas surrounding the colossus.
Silvia Chaves, spokesperson for Aeris, manager of the Juan Santamaria (San Jose) international airport, said airport operations were not affected. Earlier this year, airport operations were interrupted on a few occasions due to ash from the volcano reaching Alajuela.
