Scientists surprised by sudden eruption on Costa Rica volcano. Could the same happen at Mt. Rainier?

Officials are still downplaying significance of earthquake swarms in Pacific Northwest.

A volcano has erupted in Costa Rica with sudden ferocity, surprising experts who did not believe an eruption was imminent. The plume of ash from the volcano has caused flights to be canceled or diverted. Hundreds of people have reported to the hospital with reports of difficulty breathing and other complications. Could the same happen at Mt. Rainier in the U.S.?

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica has erupted without warning, catching thousands of people unaware. Scientists had detected earthquake swarms under the volcano, but did not assume an eruption was imminent. This is eerily similar to what scientists are saying in the Pacific Northwest where scientists are recording earthquake swarms under Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens.

In the capital city of San Jose, just 30 miles west of the volcano, homes were coated in ash and the smell of sulfur was heavy in the air. Hundreds of people reported to hospitals complaining of difficulty breathing or burning on their skin. Schools were closed and many flights were diverted or canceled.

The local population was made aware of earthquake swarms below the volcano, but there was no other signs to suggest an eruption was imminent. No deformation of the Earth or belching of gasses was evident. There were no plans made in advance to prepare for the eruption which caught both people and scientists entirely by surprise.

A similar situation exists in the Pacific Northwest where three volcanoes have been showing signs of activity. Mt. St. Helens has been in the media because of its infamy, but Mt. Rainier, which is the most dangerous of the three, is also showing the same signs. All three, including Mt. Hood, have registered earthquake swarms. No other activity has been observed.

Scientists hold that these swarms of mini quakes are signs that magma is recharging beneath the three volcanoes, but that none of the three are close to eruption. The danger is that they could be wrong.

Nobody expected the eruption at Turrialba.

If Mt. Rainier erupts, there will be immediate consequences to life and property given its proximity to human habitation. Several thousands of people are in danger of being caught in lahars, which are superheated mud flows, that can cascade down the flanks of snow-capped volcanoes like Mt. Rainier.

And the truth is, these things can happen without much warning; scientists still grapple with mysteries and uncertainties. Vigilance and preparation are warranted.

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