A volcanic eruption has sent plumes of ash 3km into the sky.
The Poás Volcano in Costa Rica expelled toxic gases for up to 10 minutes.
It is the most intense eruption of the year, according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI).
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Shocking footage captured the moment volcanic activity began.
A giant plume of smoke could be seen spilling from the volcano and soaring into the air.
Within one minute, the sky was thick with smoke as ash continued to rise from the crater.
The eruption occurred on Monday (21 April) at approximately 2.14 pm.
Communities surrounding the volcano were blanketed by the smoke, which prompted urgent health and safety measures to be carried out.
One video showed the perspective of the eruption from a busy road, which was lined with traffic.
According to the research institute OVSICORI, the plume of smoke reached 4,708 metres above sea level.
Ashfall affected Zarcero, Grecia, Alajuela, Heredia and San José, with winds carrying particles southwest, as reported by Need To Know.
OVSICORI volcanologist Geoffroy Avard said that the volcano’s unpredictable behaviour was driven by its acidic crater lake, Laguna Caliente.
The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) maintained an orange alert for the Poas Volcano National Park due to prior volcanic activity.
A green alert was issued for the surrounding areas.
Authorities advised residents to wear N95 masks and limit outdoor exposure to protect against ash and toxic gas inhalation.
The US Embassy in San José recommended avoiding the Poás area until conditions had stabilised.
OVSICORI is continuing to monitor the situation daily and has urged residents to stay vigilant and follow official guidance.
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