(QCOSTARICA) The Turrialba volcano maintains a constant eruptive activity, spewing ash and gas to heights of between 500 and 1,000 metres from the crater, says the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (Ovsicori) – Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica.
The OVSICORI said that ash fall continues in the area nearest the colossus: La Alegría de Siquirres, Siquirres centro, Las Lomas and Santa Teresita de Turrialba.
According to the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) – National Meteorological Institute – winds have been primarily to the northeast (in the direction of the Caribbean).
The volcano, located about 70 kilometers east of San Jose, has been continuously active since October 2014, making numerous eruptions of ash, gases and incandescent material.
Winds blowing westerly have caused the ash to fall on the Greater Metropolican Area (GAM) of San Jose, that includes the provinces of Cargago, San Jose, Heredia and Alajeula.
This year on several occasion the ash caused the temporary suspension of airport operations at the San Jose international airport.
Last month (September) for weeks the volcano was quiet, as in low activity, but on September 19 it began a new eruptive cycle, spewing ash and gas up to 4,000 metres (4 kilometres or 2.5 miles) above the crater.
The ash can cause irritation, especially in persons with asthma and other respiratory problems. Costa Rica health officials recommend using extreme hygienic measure such as constant hand washing and the skin.
