Since December 2014, a fissure on the Northern side of the Irazu Volcano started to buckle the land where 84 telecommunication towers for television, radio and private communication are set. Since 2015 the National University’s Volcanology and Seismology Research Institute (OVSICORI) has been monitoring the situation and carrying out measurements of the sector through the use of GPS.

“Between August 2015 and March 2018 measurements of the main crack registered movement towards the west-northwest of between 20 and 50 cm a year and a vertical movement of between 25-55 cm per year, while to the east of the crack the movements are considerably less (of between 1-2 cm / year), however, there is a subsidence in this sector of 2-3 cm/year”, explains the report by OVSICORI.

This situation has forced several media companies to consider the possibility of moving their antennas to a different sector.
The Irazu Volcano is the highest point in the Central Valley (3,400 meters above sea level), it is also, almost in the middle of the country which is ideal for the setup of antennas.

Experts explain that even though it is difficult to establish exact dates for a larger rupture or landslide, this could occur soon, and the possibilities of heavy rains and/or strong earthquakes also pose a threat and could cause a sudden rupture of the land.

“The observations carried out throughout the last year, show an acceleration of the movement of the platform that is located west of the Channel 13 (SINART) antenna”.

In fact, Channel 13 has already started the process to move their 80 meter (262.46 ft) tower to the mountains of Bebedero, Escazu.
Other companies are also working on different alternatives to prevent future problems.

OVSICORI affirms their team will continue to monitor the situation in the area.