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https://apnews.com/article/mexico-p...es-suspended-ba6cbb0309f114343b393f927b7abfcaSANTIAGO XALITZINTLA, Mexico (AP) — At the edge of this town near the Popocatepetl volcano, away from the din of traffic, there was an occasional low rumble Monday, like an idling engine.
A cloud of superfine ash descended, slightly reducing visibility and coming to rest on vehicles’ windshields. For more than a week, the 17,797-foot (5,425-meter) mountain just 45 miles (about 70 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City and known affectionately as “El Popo,” has been increasingly explosive, spewing great plumes of gas, ash and incandescent rock into the air.
The activity led the Mexican government to raise the warning level and to close schools in dozens of municipalities across three states. On Monday, local, state and federal officials held drills for the possibility of evacuations.
Popocatepetl is an active stratovolcano located in Central Mexico, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Mexico City. It is one of the country's most iconic volcanoes and is known for its periodic eruptions, which have been recorded for centuries. The name "Popocatepetl" means "Smoking Mountain" in the Nahuatl language, reflecting its frequent emissions of smoke and ash.
The most significant recent eruption of Popocatepetl began in 1994 and has continued with varying levels of activity. Notable eruptions occurred in 2000, 2005, and 2016, with the volcano producing ash plumes and lava flows during these events. The activity has included both explosive eruptions and continuous emissions of gas and ash.
The dangers of Popocatepetl's eruptions include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and volcanic gases. Ashfall can impact air quality, disrupt transportation, and cause damage to crops and infrastructure. Pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter, pose a significant risk to nearby communities. Volcanic gases can also lead to health issues for residents in the vicinity.
The activity of Popocatepetl is monitored by the Mexican government through the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) and other scientific organizations. Monitoring includes the use of seismographs to detect volcanic tremors, satellite imagery to observe thermal anomalies, and visual observations to track ash plumes and eruptions. This data helps provide timely warnings to nearby populations.
Residents near Popocatepetl should stay informed about the volcano's activity through official channels like CENAPRED. In the event of an eruption, they should follow evacuation orders, prepare emergency kits with essential supplies, and have a communication plan in place. It's also important to have a designated safe location to go to if an evacuation becomes necessary.