Turrialba Volcano erupts with four-kilometer high ash cloud (VIDEO)

May 22^nd, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com)  Costa Rica’s Turrialba Volcano erupted yesterday morning, releasing an ash cloud that reached up to four kilometers in height, according to emergency authorities.  The eruption began around 8:30am.

According to volcanologist, Javier Pacheco, the volcano began to release water vapor at about 5am.  Two hours later, there was a column of carbon dioxide gas long enough to reach the Central Valley.  Finally, at about 8:30am, cameras captured the eruption of ash from the volcano.

Residents from as far away as Vázquez de Coronado, Ipís de Goicoechea and Moravia reported the presence of ash on farmland, vehicles, lawns and property following the eruption.  The ash could pose a serious hazard to more than 1,000 nearby dairy cows, as well as crops of carrots, broccoli, cabbage and potatoes.  Farmers are hoping that the possibility of rain today could help wash the ash from the crops.

Authorities asked those who live in the immediate vicinity of the volcano to evacuate to avoid the noxious gasses, but many refused, not wanting to leave behind their crops or dairy cows, whose loss could be worth millions of colones.

The Turrialba Volcano, located in the province of Cartago, about 60 kilometers east of the capital San José, has been active for years, and eruptions of gas and ash have been frequent.

The National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE) said that an alert remains in place, and reminds the public that the national park is closed.