Mexico: Popocatepetl Volcano Rumbles To Life; Possible Eruption Threatens 22 Million People

Popocatepetl is a volcano in Puebla state that is just 45 miles (72 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City. Now, it is spewing ash and threatening nearby areas.

The Mexican volcano, fondly called by locals as "El Popo," has already canceled several schools, both private and public, and at all levels across 22 towns. This is due to the ashfall caused by the volcano. For now, classes will once again be conducted online, much like what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Reuters, Popocatepetl, whose name means "Smoking Hill" in the native Aztec language Nahuatl, is already one of the most closely-monitored active volcanoes on Earth. Its proximity to the Mexican capital, Mexico City, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world, means that it may affect approximately 22 million people.

The ash being spewed by Popocatepetl is considered harmful, and people are already advised to wear masks to protect themselves, as images show that smoke is already billowing from the volcano's snow-capped peaks.

While schools have been canceled in the direct areas around the volcano, schools are still in session in Mexico City. However, officials are now recommending everyone there to avoid outdoor activities as the volcano continues spewing ash.

Popocatepetl Volcano Now At Alert Level Yellow

For this particular volcano, Mexican officials have come up with a three-level danger advisory based on the stop light, with green being safe, yellow for alert, and red being the alert level for danger.

For now, as the volcano continues to spew ash and occasionally spew lava, the alert level is at yellow. However, the Huffington Post has pointed out that the volcano has been stuck at "yellow" for quite some time now because after it begins rumbling, it quiets down for a while, but not for long as it begins smoking once again.

Popocatepetl also seldom shoots up molten lava, though it does spew hot rocks that tumble down its flanks. It also emits bursts of gas and ash, which it is doing right now.

Popocatepetl Volcano Being Monitored 24 Hours a Day

The Volcano first awakened from a long-dormant state in 1994. Ever since, it has spewed toxic fumes, ash, and molten rocks to nearby areas, including Mexico City. Because of this, it is one of the most monitored active volcanoes on Earth, with a team of scientists and experts closely monitoring it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The potential danger that Popocatepetl poses is massive, as it could not only smother Mexico City in a cloud of toxic ash, but a severe eruption could also cut off air traffic around the area. Because of this, its summit is surrounded by six cameras, a thermal imaging device, and 12 seismological monitoring stations, all of which operate 24/7. They all also report back to a command center in Mexico City.

Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center runs the all-important monitoring of the volcano, according to the Associated Press. There, a multidisciplinary team of 13 scientists takes turns staffing it around the clock and warning the public of any impending volcanic activity.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH:Scientists closely watch Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano - Associated Press