On June 17, 2013, the Mexican volcano Popocatépetl registered an explosion that generated an eruptive column of ash more than 4 kilometers high above the level of the volcano’s crater, as reported by the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred). In addition, it launched incandescent fragments at distances of up to two kilometers from the crater that caused small fires in the grassland area. And reports of ash fall were received in different parts of the state of Mexico. To this is added that 144 exhalations of low and moderate intensity were recorded, accompanied by the emosion of water vapor, gas and ash.
On June 18 of that same year, the monitoring system of the Popocatépetl volcano registered a new explosion that produced an ash emission 2 km high and launched incandescent fragments at a distance of approximately 100 meters from the crater . After this event, the volcano has recovered its previous levels of activity and is on a Yellow Phase II alert level.
With an altitude of 5,452 meters above sea level, Popocatepetl is the second largest mountain in Mexico and one of the 14 active volcanoes in the country.
Now, these days, Mexico is on alert for increased activity at the volcano. At the moment, there have been no evacuations but the Popocatepetl volcano continues with volcanic activity after an explosion occurred over the weekend that left a column of smoke 2,000 meters high.
Currently, the Popocatepetl continues in Yellow Phase 2 at the volcanic alert traffic light, so the authorities recommend respecting the 12-kilometer safety radius.
As reported by CENAPRED, in the last 24 hours, through the monitoring systems of the Popocatepetl volcano, 46 exhalations have been identified, accompanied by steam and gas, which dispersed the wind in the South-Southeast direction. In addition, 134 minutes of harmonic tremor were recorded, an explosion at 05:41 h and also a volcanotectonic event with a magnitude of 1.4. During the night it was possible to observe incandescence and the emission of steam and volcanic gases continues.
The agency emphasizes that no one should approach the volcano, especially near the crater, due to the danger caused by ballistic fragments and, in case of heavy rains, abandon the bottom of the ravines due to the danger of debris flows.
The scenarios planned for this phase are:
1. Low to intermediate level explosive activity.
2. Ash fall in nearby towns.
3. Possibility of short-range pyroclastic flows and mud flows.
Recommendations in case of ash fall
• Cover the nose and mouth with a handkerchief or mask.
• Clean the eyes and throat with plain water.
• Avoid contact lenses to reduce eye irritation.
• Close windows or cover them and stay indoors as long as possible.
