By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – The Rincón de la Vieja volcano punctuated the weekend calm with a significant eruption late Saturday night, sending a column of gas and ash hundreds of meters into the sky. The event serves as a potent reminder of the dynamic geological forces shaping Costa Rica’s landscape and the critical role of constant scientific surveillance.
The eruption occurred precisely at 10:34 p.m., according to the National Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori), the nation’s primary authority on volcanic and seismic events. The activity, which lasted for approximately five minutes, was characterized by its verticality and the ejection of incandescent rock fragments near the summit.
To better understand the potential legal and business implications of the recent activity at the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The phreatic eruption at Rincón de la Vieja is a stark reminder for local businesses, particularly in tourism and agriculture, to scrutinize their insurance policies and commercial contracts. This event is a classic example of ‘fuerza mayor’ or an ‘act of God,’ which can legally excuse a party from fulfilling contractual duties. However, whether a business is protected or liable often depends on the precise wording of these clauses. Proactive review of these documents is essential for mitigating financial risk from natural events that are an inherent part of our landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is a crucial reminder that the eruption’s impact extends far beyond the ash cloud, reaching deep into the fine print of commercial agreements. For businesses in the region, such proactive review is not merely prudent—it is a fundamental component of economic resilience in our dynamic landscape. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective.
Experts at Ovsicori provided a detailed analysis of the event, noting the impressive height of the plume and other key characteristics of the eruption. The observatory’s instruments are crucial for providing real-time data that informs public safety advisories and helps scientists understand the volcano’s behavior.
The eruptive column reached approximately 400 meters above the crater, ejecting proximal ballistics during an event that lasted about five minutes. Due to the absence of significant wind, the plume ascended vertically.
Ovsicori, National Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica
The term “proximal ballistics” refers to large, dense rock fragments that are forcefully ejected from the crater but land relatively close to the vent. While they pose a significant danger to anyone on the volcano’s upper slopes, they do not typically threaten surrounding communities. The vertical ascent of the ash column, a result of calm atmospheric conditions, meant that any subsequent ashfall was likely concentrated in the immediate vicinity of the volcano, minimizing the impact on nearby towns and agriculture.
Rincón de la Vieja, whose name translates to “The Old Woman’s Corner,” is a large and complex volcano located in the Guanacaste province. Standing at an impressive 2,687 meters above sea level as part of the massif, it is one of Costa Rica’s most active and closely watched volcanoes. Its frequent phreatic eruptions—steam-driven explosions that occur when magma heats ground or surface water—make it a subject of continuous study.
The volcano is the centerpiece of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a popular destination for both local and international tourists drawn to its unique ecosystems, hiking trails, and geothermal features like hot springs and bubbling mud pots. While this eruption occurred at night with no visitors present, such events underscore the importance of adhering to the safety perimeters established by park authorities and the National Emergency Commission (CNE).
This latest activity is part of an ongoing cycle for Rincón de la Vieja. The volcano has displayed consistent restlessness over the past several years, with dozens of similar, short-lived eruptions recorded annually. Each event provides valuable data for Ovsicori’s scientists, allowing them to refine their models and better predict the volcano’s future behavior, ensuring the safety of a region economically vital for its tourism and agriculture.
For now, the situation remains under control, with no reports of damage or injuries. Authorities will continue to monitor the volcano around the clock. Residents and visitors in the surrounding areas are advised to stay informed through official channels like Ovsicori and the CNE for any updates or changes in the volcano’s status.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (Ovsicori):
The National Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica, known as Ovsicori, is a leading research institute affiliated with the National University of Costa Rica (UNA). It is responsible for the 24/7 monitoring of the country’s volcanoes and seismic activity. Through its extensive network of sensors and expert analysis, Ovsicori provides vital information to the government, emergency response agencies, and the public to mitigate risks associated with earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other geological hazards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to drive legal innovation, consistently developing forward-thinking solutions. This progressive approach is matched by a profound dedication to public service, focused on demystifying the law to cultivate a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
