Dormant Volcano In Costa Rica Began Discharging Vapor And Gas

December 5, 2007 9:55 p.m. EST

San Jose, Costa Rica (AHN) - The Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica began discharging vapor and gas on Wednesday that raised an alarm to the experts for a potential eruption, however, no evacuations have been ordered yet, officials said.

"Reports from neighbors located at the foot of the volcano indicate that a thick white column of gas and vapor has begun rising from the volcano's crater," the Costa Rican Volcanic and Seismologic Observatory said.

Witnesses have been reporting burning fields near Turrialba that is located within 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the country's capital, San Jose, it added.

Turrialba had been closely monitored by officials since May due to mild increase in its seismic activity.

Increase in activity started in August 2006, from which, gas discharge, small landslides and vegetation dies from locations nearby the crater.

The volcano had been dormant since its last eruption in 1866.