Mexico Popocatepetl Volcano Update: More Gas and Ash Spewed Into Sky, Disrupting Flights

Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano, known locally as "El Popo," continues to rumble and spew ash in nearby areas, including Mexico City.

Volcanic ash and lava released by the Mexican volcano have already engulfed nearby towns, affecting approximately 25 million people who live within 60 miles of the volcano.

Experts monitoring the volcano have confirmed that a massive eruption from Popocatepetl "doesn't appear imminent," though more minor eruptions are likely to continue.

According to the Associated Press, the volcanic ash has continued disrupting flights at Mexico City's international airport. The Popocatepetl volcano is expected to affect more flights as it continues to billow ash and smoke.

Scientists continue to monitor the Mexican volcano, which is already one of Earth's most monitored active volcanoes, even before it started rumbling again.

Mexico President AMLO Says Popocatepetl Volcano Is Now Emitting Less Ash

Despite the continued ashfall, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has a bit of good news. The president, who receives regular briefings regarding "El Popo," said Tuesday that the volcano is emitting less ash after weeks of increased activity.

CNN reported that this could be a welcome sign for millions living near its danger zone and affected by its toxic ash emissions.

Lopez Obrador noted that they are monitoring the volcano day and night. He said there is no need to panic as the volcanic activity has decreased. Its ash emissions have reportedly been heading more toward Puebla.

The president's announcement was made a few days after people living near Popocatepetl were warned of a possible call for evacuations as classes were canceled.

The Mexican National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) had already raised the alert level to "yellow phase 3." Evacuation centers have been put in place, and high-ranking officials have inspected possible evacuation routes.

Still, authorities urged residents to stay vigilant, with Environment Secretary Bety Manrique announcing that the air quality index in Puebla had improved, recording a drop in polluting particles. However, authorities still advised locals to wear masks and reduce driving in cars.

Mexico Government Still Has Not Issued an Evacuation

Volcanic ash continues to coat nearby towns, and residents can still be seen wearing masks. However, according to Al Jazeera, an evacuation order has yet to be announced.

The states of Veracruz and Puebla are the areas affected by the ashfall. Despite no evacuations being announced yet, residents are still worried.

People living in nearby towns are not just dealing with ashfall but also with continuous tremors from the volcano's rumbling.

In its report Tuesday, the CNPC noted that small domes of lava continued forming inside the crater, which were often destroyed by small and moderate explosions.

It advised those living near the Popocatepetl volcano that these explosions will likely continue over the coming weeks.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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