Costa Rica volcano spews ash, prompts evacuations

San Jose - A volcanic eruption has rained ash over parts of central Costa Rica and prompted authorities to evacuate some communities.

Authorities and scientists are on alert after the overnight explosion at the Turrialba volcano.

Volcanologist Gino Gonzalez said on Thursday that the volcano had been rumbling and producing seismic activity since the previous evening.

He said the explosion caused the side of the crater to collapse, and ash fall was recorded in four provinces.

Turrialba is located about 71km east of the capital, San Jose.