Mexico Volcano Popocatepetl Erupts Again; Ash Fall Forces Flight Cancellations
Popocatepetl, Mexico's most prominent volcano, has erupted around 13 times in just one day, and this has now caused problems for nearby Mexico City, as well as air travel, as massive columns of ash and smoke blanketed the nearby areas.
According to CNN, the volcano, located between the states of Morelos, Puebla, and the State of Mexico, where the capital, Mexico City, is found, is currently billowing massive columns of gray emissions which are "large enough to ground nearby flights."
The ash fall was recorded around Mexico City and other nearby areas that are located 45 miles (72 kilometers) southeast of Popocatepetl volcano, per Mexico's National Civil Protection Coordination.
Meanwhile, the Mexico National Center for Disaster Prevention revealed that it recorded 77 discharges from the volcano also known as "El Popo." This led to a level two volcanic threat that required everyone to take preventative measures and stay a long distance away from the area.
However, the civil protection body said there is currently no "risk for the population" for the 25 million people who live in Popocatepetl's 60-mile (96-kilometer) radius.
The famous Mexican volcano also erupted several times last year. However, that series of eruptions was deemed much more serious as the Mexican government was sent scrambling over the possibility of a stronger eruption. That eruption never came, but evacuations were made in the areas nearest the volcano, with flights also being canceled.
READ MORE: Mexico Volcano Update: Popocatepetl Raises Alarm Again as Volcano Continues to Spew Ash
Mexico City International Airport Forced to Ground Flights Over Mexico Volcano Popocatepetl Eruptions
The Mexico City International Airport, better known as Benito Juarez International Airport, is one of the largest and busiest airports in North America. However, the eruptions made by Mexico Volcano Popocatepetl have forced it to once again ground its planes as the airport's operations came to a screeching halt.
Around 22 domestic and international flights were forced to carry out safety checks after planes encountered ash from the erupting volcano, with several flights being canceled, according to Reuters.
However, the airport has announced on X that despite the severe ash fall, it remains open and in operation, saying in a tweet, "Specialized teams and management remain on alert and are evaluating the ash conditions. At this time, the volcanic ash cloud is heading toward the Gulf of Mexico."
It did further warn passengers to "stay informed through their airlines and official airport channels," however.
Mexico Volcano Popocatepetl Eruptions Highlight Danger Posed by Volcanic Ash for Aircraft
The last major eruption that "El Popo" made was over a thousand years ago, with last year's being the biggest scare the volcano made in recent times. Its grounding of aircraft in nearby areas has now highlighted the dangers it poses to international travel.
According to the Associated Press, volcanic ash does not just reduce visibility, but it can also act as an abrasive, damaging an aircraft's wings and fuselage, according to the Associated Press. As for the dangers it causes to airports, the ash can also coat runways and hurt airport personnel, in addition to causing several logistical issues.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Volcano spewing ash cancels flights around Mexico - Sky News Australia
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