Mexico: Ash from Popocatépetl Volcano reaches Mexico City Sep. 29 /update 1

Event

An increase in activity at Popocatépetl Volcano brought light ash fall to Mexico City's southern neighborhoods on Saturday, September 29. As of Sunday morning (local time), September 30, Mexico's National Center for Prevention of Disasters, CENAPRED, is maintaining a Yellow Phase 2 warning, indicating an increase in activity associated with possible ash fall, pyroclastic flows, and mudslides in nearby areas. A 12-km (7-mi) safety radius remains in place around the volcano and traffic restrictions are in effect between Santiago Xalitzintla and San Pedro Nexapa (State of Mexico) through Paso de Cortés. No wider evacuation orders have been issued, and no impact to flight operations was reported as of Sunday morning.

Context

Popocatépetl, translated as "the smoking mountain," is located some 60 km (40 mi) southeast of the capital Mexico City and has been active since 1994. However, geophysicists have reported an increase in activity at the volcano in the past year, since a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck central Mexico in September 2017.

Advice

Individuals in areas affected by ash fall are advised to take measures to avoid their exposure to ash (e.g. wear a respiratory mask, stay indoors as much as possible with doors and windows closed, do not use contact lenses to avoid irritation). All those present in nearby regions are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to adhere to all official directives (e.g. evacuation orders).