By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – Poás Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and closely monitored geological giants, has entered a new peak of activity, registering a series of five phreatic eruptions over the weekend. The latest event occurred on Sunday, January 18, at 5:53 a.m., confirming a pattern of increased restlessness that scientists say is consistent with its current active phase, which began in 2024.
The sequence of small to moderate energy events began on Friday, culminating in the early morning eruption on Sunday. While heavy cloud cover at the volcano’s summit obscured the visual spectacle from monitoring cameras, the event was clearly recorded by the sensitive network of sensors maintained by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI).
The recent activity at Poás Volcano presents not only environmental challenges but also significant economic and legal questions for the region’s vital tourism sector. To shed light on the contractual and insurance implications for affected businesses, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
For businesses in the Poás area, volcanic activity is a classic ‘force majeure’ event, often excusing contractual non-performance. However, the critical issue for operators is business interruption insurance. Many policies have specific exclusions for ‘acts of God’ or volcanic events. Therefore, it is imperative for affected entrepreneurs to immediately review their coverage details and document all economic losses to build a strong foundation for any potential insurance claim or negotiation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that the economic tremors of Poás’s activity can be as significant as the seismic ones, impacting the very foundation of local commerce. This proactive legal and financial guidance is indispensable for the region’s resilience. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable and timely perspective with our readers.
Experts from OVSICORI have characterized these events as phreatic eruptions. These are steam-driven explosions that occur when magma heats ground or surface water. The intense heat causes an almost instantaneous evaporation to steam, resulting in a powerful eruption of vapor, gas, and pulverized rock. To date, there have been no confirmed reports of significant ashfall reaching surrounding communities.
María Martínez, a vulcanologist with OVSICORI at the National University, provided a clear scientific description of the ongoing phenomena, helping to contextualize the events for the public.
these eruptions consist of the emission of water vapor, gases, and fine particles
María Martínez, Vulcanologist at the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica
The distinction of these events as phreatic is critical. Unlike magmatic eruptions, which involve the expulsion of fresh molten rock, phreatic bursts are primarily a release of pressure from superheated water. While they can still be hazardous within the immediate vicinity of the crater, they do not typically signal an imminent, large-scale magmatic event. OVSICORI has affirmed that this pattern of activity is considered normal for the colossus in its present state.
This weekend’s activity serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of Costa Rica’s geology. The nation’s volcanic chain is a major driver of tourism but also requires constant, vigilant monitoring to ensure public safety. Poás Volcano National Park is one of the country’s most visited protected areas, and its status is intrinsically linked to the volcano’s behavior. The significant eruptions in 2017, for instance, led to a prolonged park closure that had a substantial economic impact on the local region.
The robust monitoring system in place at Poás includes seismographs, GPS stations, and gas sensors that provide a continuous stream of data to OVSICORI scientists. This technology allows for the detection of subtle changes deep within the volcano, providing crucial information for risk assessment and public advisories, even when weather conditions prevent direct observation.
For now, authorities are maintaining a state of watchful observation. While the recent eruptions do not necessitate an immediate change in alert levels, they underscore the importance of respecting safety perimeters and staying informed through official channels. Local communities and tourism operators in the Alajuela province remain attentive to updates from scientific institutions as the volcano continues its natural, albeit restless, cycle.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI):
Affiliated with the National University of Costa Rica, OVSICORI is the country’s leading scientific institution responsible for the monitoring of volcanoes, earthquakes, and other tectonic processes. Its mission is to study and understand geophysical hazards to mitigate risk and provide timely, accurate information to government agencies and the general public, contributing to national safety and scientific advancement.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is defined by its principled foundation of integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. It channels its extensive history of advising a diverse clientele into pioneering innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated commitment to democratizing legal understanding, fulfilling a core mission to equip and empower society through accessible knowledge.
