To try and predict the future behavior of Poás Volcano, one of the most active at the moment, scientists took the eruptive cycle lived between 1953 and 1955 as reference.
However, experts hope that this scenario will not be repeated, since its impact would be considerable for the sectors closest to the national park.
Those eruptions were characterized by high columns of mud, slags, fragments of rocks and incandescent material. Even in that period the hot lagoon dried up and formed the structure that was destroyed by recent events.
Guillermo Alvarado Induni, a volcanologist from the National Seismological Network (RSN), explained that Poás is going through a period of ‘relative calm’. However, this is normal for a colossus.
I hope it does not come to that (model of 1953). Rather, the volcano returns to its normal and pre-existing state. The communities and the National Emergency Commission (CNE) are taking preventive measures,”
said Alvarado.
The eruptive cycle of those years produced heavy damages in coffee plantations located near the volcano. In addition, two people were reported missing at that time.
Nearby communities like Grecia, Alajuela, Poás and San Pedro de Poás suffered from ashfall and the outflow of gases. Even scientists believe that the column of materials rose up to seven kilometers.
Therefore, given the current situation of the area, with tourism and agricultural activities developed, they hope that the volcano does not get to a point similar to the one experienced more than 60 years ago.
The most dangerous areas from possible eruptions are around 3 kilometers from the crater. At the moment, the scientists recommend maintaining the closure of the national park pending the evolution of volcanic activity in these weeks.