The Turrialba Volcano has been a matter in the past few years, and its eruptions have been very strong since 2014. How does this affect your trip or any traveler? Are there any precaution measures? You can read about it by checking the following information:

Costa Rica has more than 100 volcanoes, and this may be why Costa Rica is so diverse and beautiful. However, sometimes we pay a price for all this marvel, and we get these eruptions. Now, the principal one is the Turrialba Volcano, which has been doing sporadic outbreaks since October 2014.

The Turrialba Volcano is in the Central Volcanic Range, and as the volcano is in there, the district name is Turrialba. It is notable high from the sea level and there have been ash eruptions that are making the volcano quite famous.

It provides breathtaking landscapes and is a great opportunity for those who like to see its magnificent power and the marvelous nature from a safe place.

Effects:

The closer to the volcano the more ashes, agriculture is cover by them and the producers are the ones who suffer the most. There has been town evacuated due to the amount of ash and there are regions where the entrance is not allowed.

Still, depending on the eruptions, and specifically the wind direction, there are two areas that are affected the most: The Caribbean zone and the Central Valley, mostly on the north side of it.

Central Valley:

Certain areas have been very affected than others, for instance, the Coronado zones and mountains in Heredia and Alajuela.

None of them have a great amount of tourism but there are thousands of Ticos living in the zone towns.

There are effects such as faint sulfur smell and some ash rains that affect mainly the population with respiratory problems and the regular cleaning of their houses, without mentioning the cars.

On the Caribbean side, the most affected areas are National parks and mostly the same effects as in the Central Valley.

Tourism

In the travel industry, the Turrialba Volcano affects much more because of the winds, way more than the volcano itself.

Everything seems very close to the European eruptions of the Icelandic Eyjafjallaj’kull in 2010 but in a way smaller scale the ashes of the Turrialba Volcano affect airplanes engines and the airport landing strips, it’s even harder when the winds blow towards.

Turrialba Volcano as a Touristic Spot:

The eruptions are unpredictable, still, in the Turrialba area, there is no much activity. The area is rich in adventures, rainforest, botanical gardens, rafting river, and a great place where to bird watch, with lots of endemic species to be observed.

Expectations:

The media has been alarmist about the eruptions, but still is nothing more than what we have expected. Costa Rica has some of the most well know volcanologist worldwide, and the volcano is monitored 24 hours 7 day a week (click here to see them) with two permanent cameras that are quite high, and it may be cloudy and nothing to be seen, but still, there are a lot of instruments to perceive any activity.

Safety and Recommendations:

• Cover electronic equipment
• Prevent drinking water from being exposed
• Place damp clothes on door thresholds and cover windows
• Changing clothes before entering the house
• Reserve non-perishable food, drinking water, and a first aid kit
• Wash vegetables and fruits exposed to ash
• Plan the evacuation route
• If eye contact or irritation occurs, rinse with plenty of water

Conclusion:

There is no reason to be afraid or to enjoy your vacations in Costa Rica, just enjoy the weather and take the precautions above.

Source: Nacion