Poás Volcano Erupts
In what made instant news around the country, the volcán Poás, just north of San José, erupted late Friday afternoon, which alarmed both the volcanologists and the Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) - national emergency commission.

For the experts, the eruption is considered important and more so for those close to the crater during the eruption.

The Poas is open to the public all year round and is considered one of the major attractions for visitors, as it is less than an hour from San José.

The volcano spewed out some 40 metres (125 feet), preceded by a thunder that shocked the workers at the part and visitors alike, which some at the moment were looking down at the mouth of the crater. However, the material fell back into the crater and no injuries were reported, other than some frayed nerves.

At first, due to the dense fog surrounding the crater, it was difficult to measure the changes due to the eruption. Experts noticed that the water in the crater lagoon turned from the normal green to a greish-white and found debris from the eruption on the walls of the crater. The sound from emanating gases, a normal condition, was louder than normal was well.

The national park that the volcano is part of was immediately closed off and visitors were asked to leave for their own safety. The CNE immediately came on the scene ready for any decision necessary.

Specialists of the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI) are continuing to monitor the volcano and will keep the park closed for the time being.

Authorities say the park closure is a preventative measure in the event of any more eruptions.