Mexico's Most Dangerous Volcano Emits Ash, Sparks Evacuation Warning

Millions of people in Mexico, including the capital of Mexico City, may be evacuated as Popocatepetl volcano continues to spew ash and molten rock.

Lovingly called "El Popo" by locals, Popocatepetl volcano has been smoking for a few days now, and concerns that it would erupt has scientists and people living nearby scrambling.

The toxic clouds being emitted have closed down schools near the Mexican volcano, while the ash it is spewing has forced airports nearby to shut down operations.

Around 25 million people live within the volcano's 60-mile radius, according to CNN, and this includes Mexico City and dozens of municipalities, The people in this area may soon be evacuated as the National Civil Protection Coordination warned of greater volcanic activity and the dispersion of ash at a high speed into towns nearby.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum stated on social media on Sunday, "In the case of Mexico City, the risk is ash fall. We are prepared for that scenario and we know what to do. Let's stay alert."

Popocatepetl Volcano Raises Alert Level in Central Mexico

Because of the increased volcanic activity, the CNPC has also raised the alert level in Central Mexico, especially around Popocatepetl, to "yellow phase 3," which is warning around 3 million people who live in the immediate vicinity of the volcano to stay alert and prepare for a possible evacuation.

According to the New York Times, it is not just toxic fumes and ash that the volcano is spewing right now, but it can also hurl fragments of rock. Magma can also be expelled.

During his Monday news conference, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador stated that he has been in contact with federal and local officials and confirmed that "El Popo" is being monitored constantly. He also added that his office is already "standing by."

Evacuation teams and shelters are already being prepared by local and state officials, with evacuation routes already being planned to be visited.

The states of Morelos, Puebla, and Mexico state are all going to be affected by the possible evacuation. In Puebla state, they have already set up 35 shelters with space for up to 22,000 people if the evacuations were to push through as the volcano spews more ash.

Airports Around Mexico City Shut Down Due to Popocatepetl Volcano Ashfall

The Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, perhaps the most important airport in the country, was forced to suspend its operations in the early hours of the morning, only resuming operations at 10:00 a.m. after crews checked runways and verified if there were favorable wind conditions.

That was not the only airport affected as the military's Felipe Angeles airport was also forced to shut down its operations. It was not able to operate for around five hours, according to the Associated Press.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Volcanic ash from Popocatepetl temporarily shuts down Mexico City airports - ABC7