Poás Continues Calm
It was in 1994 when Alajuela residents of the Canton de Poás lived under similar conditions, the presence of acid rain, which caused major losses 12 years ago, due to the behaviour of their colossal neighbour, the volcán Poás, which has became active last Friday.

Though the eruptions have subsided, seismic activity continues as the park remains closed.

Fourteen eruptions had been registered from Friday to Monday. No eruptions were recovered yesterday (Tuesday).

Juan Dobles, administrator of the Parque Nacional Volcán Poás, said that the emanation of acid rain on the area has them worried, as it will surely cause great economic loss for the residents, including the park which for now, is scheduled to re-open on Friday, but may be kept closed for a lot longer. It all depends on the volcano, Dobles said.

Although residents near the volcano are used to the volcanic gases, the recent behaviour of the volcano is cause for concern, as the quantity of the gases is sure to increase and will no doubt damage coffee crops principally.

The area around the Poás has a major concentration of coffee plantation due to the richness of the volcanic soil and high altitude, producing some of the best coffees of the world.

For now the areas of Trojas, San Luis de Grecia, San Miguel, San Francisco, San Isidro and San Roque de Grecia are of concern as the winds are blowing southeast.

Volcanic gases can also affect the respiratory system, eyes and skin. Residents are being asked to visit their doctor if detecting the smell of sulfur in their area and are feeling the effects. Acid rain can also affect metal structures (most of the homes in the area have metal roofs) and animals.

According to Dobles, the volcano is quiet for the moment, however, there is the possibility that it can become active again at any moment and with more force that already felt. "We all know that the Poás is one of the most active in the country, for that we have to face what comes", added Dobles.

When the park re-opens on Friday, a massive number of tourists are expected to be present. Notwithstanding,  Dobles, said that they have a contingency plan in place to avoid a tragedy in the event the volcano becomes active.

Access to the crater will be limited, while some areas will be completed closed off to the public, for their own safety. Small groups will be guided through the different areas of the park. A number of restrictive measures will be in place for security of the visitors and the park workers as well, said Dobles.

The park administrator said that they are ready to evacuate the area at any moment. "We hope to have the co-operation of the visitors in that event", added Dobles, who understands the curiosity that the recent activity has surged in both foreign visitors and nationals.

Meanwhile, the volcano is under constant watch of the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (Ovsicori) and the Red Sismológica Nacional. Experts are also evaluating the data of the recent eruptions.

The first eruption of the volcán Poás was in 1910 when it spewed out ash to more than 8.000 metres and then again in 1994 when the crater lagoon completely dried up and spewed material to some 600 metres. Since 1999 the volcano has been most active with an increase in volcanic gases. Last Friday was the first major eruption since 1994.