Costa Rica widens evacuation area around Turrialba volcano after ash eruptions

Costa Rica extends evacuation near active volcano

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has widened evacuations around the Turrialba volcano in response to eruptions of ash.

The National Emergency Commission says all resident living within a radius of 4 miles (6 kilometers) of the peak are being evacuated. About 50 people have taken refuge at government shelters.

The commission said Wednesday that ash has fallen in several communities east of the Costa Rican capital of San Jose.

The 10,958-foot (3,340-meter) volcano is 42 miles (70 kilometers) east of San Jose.

Activity at the volcano has increased in recent months. The last major eruption was 145 years ago.