Vulnerability assessment associated to the activity of the Turrialba Volcano (2010-2017) in the district of Santa Cruz of Turrialba, Costa Rica

Abstract

Between 1864 and 1866 the Turrialba volcano presented its last eruptive period of magmatic origin accompanied by strombolian eruptions. After almost 150 years of inactivity on January 5, 2010, a new eruptive period began, characterized by falling ash.  Activity was sustained until the end of 2016, with the eruptions of October 29, 2014, March 12, 2015 and September 19, 2016 having the greatest impact. During this last period, the ash fell in communities of the Great Metropolitan Area (GAM) such as Coronado, Moravia, Guadalupe, Alajuela, Heredia and Pavas. The main impacts occurred in communities and farms of the district of Santa Cruz of Turrialba located on the NW, SW and SE flanks of the volcanic building, such as Finca Silvia, La Central, La Picada and El Tapojo. This research develops an indicator of communal vulnerability to volcanic events, where physical, social and economic variables are evaluated in the face of threats of volcanic origin, as well as the management processes that have been implemented in the area of study by institutional actors and the civilian population involved to reduce their risk conditions. Based on the results, an overall index value 0.4 was obtained, which corresponds to a low vulnerability.