Mexico: Popocatepetl volcano spews ash February 18

Event

The National Center for Prevention of Disasters (CENAPRED) has issued a warning over an increase in volcanic activity at the Popocatepetl volcano. The volcano reportedly emitted a plume of smoke reaching 2 km (6500 ft) on Monday, February 18, followed by two tremors. Some ash fell in the Tlaxcala towns of Tlaxco, Xalostoc, Nativitas, Hueyotlipan, Amaxac de Guerrero, Tepetitlá de Lardizábal, and Texoloc. According to CENAPRED, the volcano activity is expected to continue in the coming days, prompting local authorities to implement a security perimeter in a 12-kilometer (39,370 ft) radius of the crater, with road traffic reportedly disrupted at Paso de Cortés between the towns of Santiago Xalitzintla and San Pedro Nexapa. No evacuation orders have however been issued as of Wednesday, February 20.

Context

Mexico is home to several active volcanoes. Popocatepetl is considered a relatively active volcano; in April 2016, the volcano erupted 40 times in 24 hours.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders), and to take the certain precautions, such as stocking up on drinking water, wearing respiratory masks, and wearing covering clothing to protect skin from abrasive ash.