Mexico Volcano Update: Popocatepetl Raises Alarm Again as Volcano Continues to Spew Ash

Mexico's ordeal with its Popocatepetl volcano, located near its capital, Mexico City, is not over yet. The 17,800-foot-tall volcano has raised alarm bells again as ash continues to fall like snow in nearby areas.

The volcano previously had a lull in activities, but scientists have reported that activity picked up once again by Friday and Saturday, according to Aztec Reports.

Since the Popocatepetl volcano started billowing, citizens have been on edge as the volcano has been spewing ash that has already covered four states, including Mexico state where the capital is. The ashfall has already disrupted flights and shut down airports around Mexico City.

The other states affected by "El Popo" since it started billowing and having small eruptions last week are Puebla, Morelos, and Tlaxcala, all of which are in Central Mexico.

The rumblings became such a cause for concern that it forced the government to declare a "yellow alert stage 3" on May 21, which was the last phase before red alert when an all-out evacuation of the surrounding area is ordered.

Mexico Residents Still Worried About Possible Popocatepetl Volcano Eruption

The Mexican government has called on citizens to remain calm as they are constantly monitoring the volcano. However, the BBC reported that residents are still very much worried that Popocatepetl would still erupt despite the brief lull last week.

Volcanic ash has been blanketing parts of Mexico, especially in Central Mexico, with residents being forced to wear masks once again to avoid inhaling the toxic ash. They have also been told to remain calm and alert as the government continues to monitor the situation.

So far, the Mexican government has already sent soldiers in advance to aid in the possible evacuation of the areas near Popocatepetl. The government has also already prepared evacuation routes and shelters in case a massive eruption occurs.

Mexico Government Continues To Monitor Popocatepetl

Popocatepetl is considered one of the most monitored volcanoes, as it might affect millions of people living near it, including one of the most populous cities in the world, Mexico City. The volcano can be seen from the capital as it continues to billow and spew toxic ash, raising concerns among the populace for a possible catastrophe.

A team of scientists and even law enforcement have been monitoring the volcano as closely as possible since it first reawakened in 1994. This includes Nefi de Aquino, a former farmer who is now a member of the Puebla state police and is considered an expert on the volcano of sorts.

He was already in his 40s when "El Popo" reawakened in 1994, and he was still a farmer living near the volcano at that time. However, VOA News reported that soon after, he became a police officer with one specific job, and that was to watch Popocatepetl and report everything he saw to authorities and scientists.

The threat of "El Popo" was so big that it prompted a collaboration between residents, researchers, and scientists to constantly monitor the volcano and look for signs of a possible eruption. With this latest rumbling, de Aquino has been busy sending digital photographs and recording his observations. He is just one of the many who are working on the monitoring process, as scientists have also installed cameras and other devices to monitor "El Popo."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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