Mexico: Popocatepetl volcano expels vapors and ashes March 3

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 46 exhalations of water vapor, gas and ashes on Sunday, March 3, associated with five explosions and related tremors. According to the CENAPRED, the volcano activity is expected to continue in the coming days, prompting local authorities to issue a yellow alert (the second-highest level on a three-tier scale) and 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. While no evacuation orders have been issued as of Monday, March 4, local authorities have called on nearby residents to be prepared for a potential evacuation.

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.