Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica erupted for the first time in centuries in 1968.
The eruption began suddenly at about 7:30 a.m. on July 29, 1968, after Arenal had remained dormant for hundreds of years. Explosions, lava, ash, and falling volcanic rocks devastated the surrounding area and buried the villages of Tabacón, Pueblo Nuevo, and San Luís.
The eruption killed 87 people and affected more than 232 square kilometres of land. Arenal then entered a long period of activity, with eruptions and lava flows continuing from 1968 until 2010.
Arenal is a relatively young stratovolcano, estimated to be less than 7,500 years old. Its familiar near-conical profile made it a major Costa Rican landmark, especially near the tourist town of La Fortuna. The years in the wrong options do not match its documented awakening.