By Wendy Anders

This morning’s 11:30 Turrialba Volcano eruption was estimated to have reached 4,000 ms above the volcano’s crater, and another apparently similar eruption which is still underway hours later, began at around 3:34 this afternoon, reported the National University’s Volcanology and Seismology Research Institute (Ovsicori-UNA).

Misty and cloudy conditions around the volcano’s summit have not allowed for gathering precise details on the exact height of the eruptions, but ash has fallen nearly continually far and wide throughout the country’s densely populated Central Valley since the 11:30 a.m. eruption.

The Civil Aviation Directorate temporarily closed both Alajuela’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and the Pavas, San José Tobías Bolaños Airport early this afternoon as a preventive measure due to the volcanic ash.

The Associated French Press reported this afternoon that eight flights had been rerouted when they were unable to land at the closed SJO airport. Some of these landed in Liberia, in the northern Guanacaste province, and others landed in neighboring El Salvador to the north of Costa Rica.

Who knows when this latest round of blasts will subside.

Until then, health authorities recommend limiting exposure to ash. Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping floors to avoid breathing ash is important to avoid indoor exposure to the particles which can irritate the eyes, skin, throat, and lungs.