The iconic Popocatepetl volcano, located in central Mexico and just over 50 kilometers southeast of Mexico City, has reactivated its activity in the last 24 hours, reported the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) of Mexico.
Considered a stratovolcano for its conical shape and for being composed of several layers of hardened lava and ash, Popocatépetl has a height of 5,452 meters and a crater that reaches 900 meters.
According to Mexican authorities, 24 eruptions of volcanic gases, water vapor and ash have been detected in the last 94 hours.
The Popocatepetl volcano, seen from Mexico City, sends ash and smoke into the sky, during an eruption on February 1, 2023.Getty Images
During that time period, three moderate explosions were also counted and tremor detection equipment recorded 1,066 minutes of high-frequency shaking.
At the time it published its report, CENAPRED had no visibility of the volcano due to bad weather conditions in the area.
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Scientists predict that, if an eruption of large magnitudes occurs in the next few hours, the expelled material would be dispersed in a southeasterly direction.
During the last 24 hours it has been reported that in the municipalities of Puebla and Atlixco, both located in the state of Puebla, and other municipalities near the volcano, ash fall has been recorded.
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CENAPRED has a record of seven levels, divided into three colors, green, yellow and red, to classify the activity of the volcano. Popocatepetl is at the Yellow Phase 2, or fourth level of the registry. As part of the protocols for this phase, the authorities ask the population not to approach the area for fear of the fall of volcanic material and have insisted that an exclusion radius of 12 kilometers be respected.
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However, according to press reports, the risk presented by the increased activity of the volcano has not stopped tourist visits to the area.
In social media posts, offers of tours of up to two hours appear in vehicles discovered on the slopes of the volcano.
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There are also tourism operations companies established in Mexico that offer trips from various points of the Mexican capital to the area.
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Authorities in the region where the volcano is located and members of the Mexican Army have visited the area as part of preparations for a possible larger eruption.
What to have on hand in case of emergency?
According to the authorities, in case of a major volcanic eruption, you should have a backpack prepared with the following:
- Jar with water.
- Battery flashlight.
- A portable radio.
- Canned foods
- Clothes for cold, preferably waterproof and an extra pair of shoes.
- Lighter or matches.
- Photocopy of important documents.
- Copy of the keys to the house.
- Basic medicines or necessary medicines.
- For children: food, including milk, diapers, and bottles.
- A whistle.
With information from El Universal and El País
