Volcanic ashes emanating from Turrialba volcano during an eruption is seen from San Gerardo de Irazu in the province of Cartago, Costa Rica, on Sept 20, 2016. (Xinhua/Kent Gilbert)

SAN JOSE, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Costa Rica's central Turrialba Volcano on Thursday erupted for the third time this week, sending a plume of ash and gas more than 2,000 meters above the crater.

This latest eruption occurred at 3:20 a.m. (09:20 GMT), Costa Rica's volcano and earthquake monitoring agency Ovsicori said.

Turrialba's strongest eruption to date was just before noon on Monday, when it spewed ash some 4,000 meters into the sky. Earlier that day, it has a smaller eruption.

The volcano, located in the province of Cartago, 37 km east of the capital San Jose, has registered intermittent eruptions since late last year.

Ovsicori says the volcanic material expelled is falling mainly to the west of the crater, in the direction of the country's Central Valley, which is home to Costa Rica's most densely populated cities, including the capital.

The city of San Jose is shrouded with volcanic ash as the Turrialba volcano erupts, in Costa Rica, Sept. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Pei)

The National Emergency Commission (CNE), which is monitoring the volcanic activity round the clock, and has so far issued a yellow alert for nearby communities, is recommending area residents avoid exposure to the ash if possible, since it can irritate the lungs, eyes and skin.

Turrialba has spread a significant amount of ash, which can also damage crops, pollute water and rust metal on cars and buildings.

The eruptions led authorities to suspend some flights on Monday afternoon and early Tuesday at San Jose's international airport, disrupting plans for some 3,000 passengers.