Costa Rica News – Eruptions of Poás led to the closing of many shops adjacent to the volcano.
The villagers have been crying out for help in facing the shortage of visitors. The closure of the National Park led to a ¢7,000 million annual economic blow.
The families that have, for generations, owned businesses in the area are living in fear and anguish. The eruptions forced authorities to close the volcano seven months ago, ending the steady flow of clients to the area.
After decades in operation business owners are unable to cover fixed costs such as bank debts, taxes, salaries and supplies. They have let the employees go and await a declaration of a state of emergency to alleviate some of the economic pressure.
Those that have managed to remain open have significantly cut hours, some open just weekends and one open just four hours a week. They have shelves and refrigerators full of expired food and drinks and no money to buy new products.
Some owners say they will close the normal businesses and instead try to survive selling just a few items like strawberries and Christmas ornaments.
One person reported having to receive his own food from a church so he could use the little money he had on food for his trout so he could later sell them.
