Costa Rica has closed one of its national parks after a volcano erupted, sending an ash plume 2.5 miles into the air.
The eruption, last Wednesday, prompted the national emergency commission to issue a red warning for the Poas Volcano National Park.
The Foreign Office has since updated its travel advice for Costa Rica, warning of a ‘an increasing and significant series of eruptions’ at the Poas volcano.
It urged visitors to check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to any areas around volcanoes.
“Avoid volcanic areas during and immediately after heavy rainfall when there’s increased risk of lava flows,” it added.
It also warned that ash plumes can affect air quality and impact health, adding that those with existing respiratory conditions might be at increased risk of triggering or worsening their symptoms.
Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, several of which are considered active.
The Poas Volcano National Park is in the central highlands, about 19 miles from the capital San Jose. One of the most active volcanoes in Latin America, it has erupted 40 times since the mid-1800s.
*Image is a stock photo from Shutterstock
