Warnings have been loud, frequent and clear both by the National Commission of Risk Prevention and Emergency Attention (CNE) and the Technical Assessment Vulcanology Committee (CAT) in Costa Rica regarding the danger of violating the restrictions in the access to both the Turrialba and Poás volcanoes; yet, time and time again, daredevils continue to disregard the warnings and find new paths and ways to get close to the active craters.

The CNE and the Turrialba Volcano National Park posted photos on their Facebook page today where they show visitors in a restricted area.

“Volcanoes don’t warn, but we can warnand prevent you of the risks involved, from exposing to high concentrations of gases to losing your life. This sector that appears in the post of the Turrialba Volcano National Park (La Silvia y La Picada), was evacuated in 2009 and has large extensions of lands covered in mud and ash, burned vegetation consequence of the gases and acid rain, which indicates the risk for visitors of being in this area in the event of an eruption. The Turrialba Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, and even through the activity has periods of stability and relative calm, it doesn’t inform the hour, direction or strength of its next eruption or whether there will be seismic activity in the area; restricted areas must be respected with a responsible action and regarding personal protection”, reads the post by the National Emergency Commission

The Turrialba Volcano National Park also stated that volcanologists and park rangers access this area with extreme monitoring measures and following security procedures.

They continued to say they cannot risk the lives of rescuers in the event of an emergency to try to save someone who doesn’t value their own life.

Park rangers and the emergency authorities have reported and warned for months of the risk this represents, but some continue to find different paths and trails to reach the restricted areas of the active volcanoes, according to park rangers during the weekends they’ve had to escort out large groups of up to 20-50 people.

Some of the dangers listed by authorities are:

1. Being exposed to high concentrations of gases, vapors and acid rain
2. Ash and gas can affect the respiratory system, eyes and skin
3. In the event of hot rocks being erupted by the volcano there is danger of being hurt
4. Volcanic material could cause people to end up trapped in different areas
5. Entering the risk zones in an illegal manner means the authorities are not aware of the trespassing and there are little possibilities of rescue.