Authorities remind residents of the danger at the Turrialba Volcano

November 5^th, 2012 (InsideCostaRica.com) Costa Rica’s National Emergency Response (CNE) has issued a warning for those who live between 2 and 5 kilometers distance from the Turrialba Volcano.

Research presented by the National Seismology Network, the University of Costa Rica and CNE stresses the importance and urgency in repairing the only evacuation route, as well as building shelters inside the park.

The research warns the population of Turrialba that the Volcano’s activity puts in risk citizens and livestock that live within 2-5 kilometers distance from the Volcano.

Since 2007, authorities have maintained a “green alert” in the area due to the emission of gases from the volcano, and since 2006 an indefinite shutdown of the park was ordered.

Since then, both national and foreign scientists have followed its activity closely, and after their latest findings, they not only recommend keeping the park closed, but also repairing the only evacuation route from the area as soon as possible.

There is still livestock and dairy farming, as well as other commerce, in the surroundings of the volcano. The area is also an access route for areas such as the Irazu Volcano, Cot in Oreamuno and San Rafael de Irazu.

Experts also stated that there is urgent need for concrete shelters inside the park as well as the administrative area for the park rangers.

As part of the immediate actions that were taken, radio communications equipment, allowing 24-hour surveillance was installed. An observation camera for the Volcanology and Seismology Observatory in the National University, and a meteorology station belonging to the National Meteorology Institute were also installed.