By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – The Poás Volcano continues to exhibit significant unrest, registering its fifth phreatic eruption in just 72 hours early Sunday morning. The latest event, which occurred at 5:53 a.m. on January 18th, has reinforced the state of warning issued by scientific authorities who are closely monitoring the colossus.
According to a report from the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), the series of eruptions began on Friday, January 16th. Since then, the volcano has produced five distinct, moderate-energy events. These activities are classified as phreatic, meaning they are steam-driven explosions that occur when groundwater is superheated by underlying magma, resulting in a sudden and violent release of steam, gas, and fine aerosolized particles.
The recent activity at Poás Volcano has impacts that extend far beyond the geological. The necessary closures of the national park raise significant legal and business questions for tour operators, local businesses, and employees who depend on the influx of visitors. To understand the legal framework surrounding these events, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal standpoint, the eruption of the Poás Volcano is a classic ‘fuerza mayor’ or force majeure event. For tourism businesses, this means that contractual obligations, such as pre-booked tours, can often be suspended or cancelled without liability. However, the critical step for affected entrepreneurs is to immediately review their commercial insurance policies. Many business interruption clauses may have specific exclusions for natural disasters like volcanic activity. Proactive documentation of losses and a thorough legal review of contracts and insurance coverage are essential to navigate this challenging period and mitigate financial impact.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary serves as a critical reminder that a ‘fuerza mayor’ declaration is not an endpoint, but a starting point for action. His emphasis on the immediate and detailed review of insurance policies and contracts provides an essential, practical roadmap for entrepreneurs navigating the volcano’s economic impact. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this vital perspective.
Due to conditions at the summit, the exact height of the eruptive plume from Sunday’s event could not be visually determined. However, OVSICORI successfully detected and characterized the eruption using its network of sensitive instruments, including seismographs and infrasound acoustic sensors. These tools allow scientists to “hear” and “feel” the volcanic activity from afar, providing critical data even when visibility is poor.
Officials from the observatory have noted that the predominant winds are currently blowing westward from the volcano’s crater. Fortunately, this has prevented any significant impact on populated areas, and as of this report, there have been no confirmed instances of ashfall in nearby communities. This lack of ash is typical for phreatic eruptions, which primarily eject vapor and preexisting rock fragments rather than new magma.
This recent cluster of activity is not an isolated phenomenon. OVSICORI has highlighted that Poás has been in a prolonged period of unrest, characterized by intermittent phreatic activity and an increase in magmatic degassing, since the beginning of 2024. This sustained activity indicates a dynamic and unstable system beneath the surface, justifying the current “Warning” status, which advises caution and preparedness.
The consistent seismic and acoustic signals serve as a crucial reminder of the volcano’s inherent power and unpredictability. While the immediate threat to communities is low due to the nature of the eruptions and wind patterns, the situation underscores the importance of continuous, state-of-the-art surveillance. The data collected by OVSICORI is vital for forecasting potential changes in activity and informing risk management strategies.
In response to the ongoing events, scientific and emergency management authorities have reiterated their call for public vigilance. Both residents and potential visitors to the area are strongly urged to adhere to all recommendations and access restrictions put in place by regulatory bodies like the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), which manages the national park, and the National Emergency Commission (CNE).
As the volcano continues to simmer, the message from officials is one of cautious respect. While Poás is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural landmarks, its current phase of activity demands that safety protocols be followed without exception. Authorities will continue to provide timely updates as they monitor the situation around the clock, ensuring public safety remains the top priority.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI):
OVSICORI is a research institute of the National University of Costa Rica dedicated to the monitoring and study of volcanoes and seismic activity throughout the country. It operates a comprehensive network of scientific instruments to provide real-time data and analysis, serving as a critical source of information for risk management and public safety.
For further information, visit sinac.go.cr
About The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC):
SINAC is the administrative body under Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy responsible for the management and protection of the country’s national parks and protected wildlife areas. It works to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism and environmental education, including managing public access to areas like the Poás Volcano National Park.
For further information, visit cne.go.cr
About The National Emergency Commission (CNE):
The Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias (CNE) is Costa Rica’s primary agency for disaster risk management and emergency response. It coordinates the efforts of various institutions to prevent, mitigate, and respond to natural and man-made disasters, issuing alerts and organizing relief efforts to protect the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of principled practice and professional distinction. The firm merges a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently advancing legal thought and practice. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a foundational pledge to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby equipping citizens with the knowledge needed to foster a more just and capable society.
