SHOTLIST VARABLANCA, COSTA RICA (APRIL 21, 2025) (USERS MUST CREDIT “NATIONAL SEISMOLOGICAL NETWORK (RSN), UNIVERSITY OF COSTA RICA” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO — EDITORIAL USE ONLY) 1. VARIOUS OF VOLCANO ERUPTION, MASSIVE PLUM OF SMOKE AND ASH BEIN RISING FROM MOUTH PAOS VOLCANO VARABLANCA, COSTA RICA (APRIL 21, 2025) (USERS MUST CREDIT “VOLCANOLOGICAL AND SEISMOLOGICAL OBSERVATORY OF COSTA RICA” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO — EDITORIAL USE ONLY) 2. WIDE SHOT OF VOLCANO SPEWING MASSIVE SMOKE AND ASH VARABLANCA, COSTA RICA (APRIL 21, 2025) (USERS MUST CREDIT “NATIONAL SEISMOLOGICAL NETWORK (RSN), UNIVERSITY OF COSTA RICA” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO — EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano erupted on Monday, Apr. 21, sending a plume of ash and gas over 2,000 meters above its crater, in what officials say was the most intense eruption of the year. The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) reported the eruption lasted 10 minutes and produced a column that reached 4,708 meters above sea level. Ashfall was reported across Zarcero, Grecia, Alajuela, Heredia, and San José, as winds pushed particles southwest. OVSICORI warned of elevated seismic activity and high sulfur dioxide emissions, over 600 tons per day, signaling the possibility of further eruptions. Volcanologist Geoffroy Avard noted the activity is driven by the volcano’s acidic crater lake, Laguna Caliente. The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) kept Poás National Park under orange alert, maintaining its closure since March 28. A green alert remains in place for nearby cantons. Residents were advised to wear N95 masks and stay indoors to avoid health risks. Authorities reiterated warnings against illegal entry near the crater, citing unstable terrain and toxic gases. The U.S. Embassy in San José also advised avoiding the area until conditions improve.