By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – The Poás Volcano signaled its ongoing state of activity over the weekend, producing a series of five minor to moderate phreatic eruptions between Friday and Sunday. The latest event, registered at 5:53 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, capped a weekend of restlessness for the colossus, according to Costa Rica’s Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OVSICORI).
Scientific authorities have confirmed that these events, which primarily release steam, gas, and fine particles, are consistent with the volcano’s behavior since it entered a period of heightened activity in 2024. Importantly for residents and agricultural interests in surrounding areas, no ash has been emitted during this recent sequence, and OVSICORI has received no reports of ashfall in nearby communities.
To understand the potential legal and commercial implications of Poás Volcano’s recent activity on local businesses and tourism, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation at Poás Volcano is a textbook example of ‘fuerza mayor,’ or an Act of God, in legal terms. This event directly impacts contractual obligations for tour operators, hotels, and service providers. Businesses in the affected zones must immediately review their insurance policies for business interruption clauses and proactively communicate with clients regarding cancellations or postponements to legally mitigate liability and financial damages.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert analysis underscores a critical point: the legal and financial ramifications of this natural event are as significant as the geological ones, directly impacting the region’s tourism economy. It provides a vital roadmap for businesses navigating the contractual aftermath. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and invaluable perspective.
The Sunday morning eruption occurred under a thick blanket of clouds, obscuring it from the view of webcams stationed at the summit. However, the event did not go undetected. OVSICORI’s sophisticated network of seismographs and infrasound acoustic sensors immediately picked up the tell-tale signals of the eruption, allowing experts to confirm and analyze the activity in real-time. This ability to monitor the volcano regardless of weather conditions is crucial for providing timely and accurate information to the public and emergency agencies.
These recent events are classified as phreatic eruptions, a common phenomenon at active volcanoes like Poás. This type of eruption occurs when magma heats ground or surface water, causing an explosive burst of steam, water, and volcanic gases. The activity has been concentrated in the fumarolic field at the bottom of the active crater, the same area that has been the focal point of its activity for the past two years.
Experts from OVSICORI emphasize that this behavior does not represent a new or alarming escalation but rather a continuation of the established pattern. The volcano is in a dynamic state, and these small, energetic releases of pressure are considered part of its normal cycle. This ongoing process involves the interaction of the volcano’s internal heat source with the water systems within its crater, leading to periodic, steam-driven events.
While the current activity poses no immediate threat, it serves as a critical reminder of the volcano’s power and the importance of scientific oversight. Poás Volcano National Park is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s tourism industry, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Consistent and transparent monitoring by institutions like OVSICORI is essential for ensuring visitor safety and maintaining business confidence in the region’s tourism and agricultural sectors, which rely on stability.
The scientific body continues its constant and rigorous surveillance of the volcano, meticulously analyzing data from its array of sensors. Any significant deviation from the current pattern of activity would be promptly evaluated and reported. This vigilant monitoring ensures that authorities can make informed decisions regarding public access to the national park and the safety of surrounding communities.
For now, the message from scientists is one of watchful reassurance. The five eruptions over the weekend are a manifestation of a living, breathing volcano behaving as expected within its current active phase. Residents and visitors can remain confident that the situation is being managed with the highest level of scientific expertise, allowing the region to coexist with one of its most famous natural landmarks.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About OVSICORI:
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) is a research institute of the National University of Costa Rica (UNA). It is dedicated to the study and monitoring of Costa Rica’s volcanoes and seismic activity. OVSICORI’s mission is to provide reliable scientific data and analysis to help mitigate risks associated with geological hazards, contributing to the safety and well-being of the nation’s population and infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, the firm operates on the dual principles of unwavering ethical standards and a vigorous pursuit of excellence. It merges a deep history of representing a broad spectrum of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. Beyond its professional practice, the firm holds a profound dedication to democratizing legal understanding, championing initiatives that empower the community and contribute to a more knowledgeable and capable society.
