Geologists from the Observatory on Volcanology and Seismology of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) are closely monitoring their seismographs and other instruments located around the Turrialba volcano, located in the province of Cartago, after a series of tremors were registered during lunchtime on Monday, May 11^th.

At this time, the OVSICORI scientists are unable to monitor the cameras located around the crater of the Turrialba due to overcast conditions. Park Ranger Reina Sanchez was able to take a photograph of the colossus, which has been the most active in Costa Rica since October of 2014. Unfortunately, the dark mists engulfing the Turrialba since Sunday afternoon make it difficult to see the height of the ash column; nonetheless, Ranger Sanchez confirmed that volcanic ash was falling on the agricultural sector of La Central, which is on the skirts of the volcano.

Social media updates by the OVSICORI indicate that the prevailing wind is southwesterly, which may carry the volcanic ash towards the populous Central Valley and the Greater San Jose Metropolitan Area. Residents of downtown Cartago, an area of Costa Rica knows for its foggy conditions, have also reported sporadic sightings of ash dancing within the mist. The acrid and unpleasant fragrance of sulphur dioxide has not been reported this afternoon.

As reported by The Costa Rica Star yesterday:

the Turrialba volcano clouded the skies surrounding its crater with an ash and smoke eruption that started at 04:55 am and lasted until 05:45. Strong winds wafting around the surface crater did not allow the dark ash column to rise more than 200 meters in the air; however, the direction of the airstream transported volcanic ash past the province of Cartago in the direction of the Central Valley.

Volcanologists in Costa Rica have warned the population about the abrasiveness of the ash; it could be harmful to the eyes should they be rubbed on contact, and it may also scratch auto windshields should the wipers be activated. The best course of action is to rinse with lots of water.

At this time, the Directorate of Civil Aviation has not issued any statements about flight operations at the international airports.