Thursday, April 3, 2025

El Popo volcano erupts, sends ash plume two kilometers high

The Popocatépetl volcano sent a two-kilometer ash plume in an eruption last night, triggering an ash fall alert for communities in the vicinity.

The 9:06pm eruption was accompanied by the emission of incandescent material that fell a few meters from the crater on the eastern slope of the volcano and the two-kilometer-high plume of ash, water vapor and gases.

The explosion was heard in nearby towns and caused windows and doors to vibrate as far away as Puebla city, located 44 kilometers to the east of the volcano.

Authorities have issued recommendations following the low-scale eruption, including limiting open-air activities, bringing pets indoors and avoiding eating meals outside.

Anyone who goes outside is advised to wear a face mask, a long-sleeved garment and a hat. Once back indoors, people should rinse their eyes and throats with water.

Special attention should be given to water tanks and other water sources for human and animal use, keeping them covered and protected from the volcanic ash.

Hiking near the crater is not advised, as the emission of incandescent material and other ballistic fragments is expected to continue.

The alert for Popocatépetl remains at yellow, Phase 2, which means that the release of water vapor and gas plumes is to be expected, as is the light fall of ash in nearby areas along with incandescent fragments.

The alert level also warns of the possibility of eruptions causing pyroclastic flows and mudslides carrying debris, although at such a small scale that evacuation of inhabited areas is not required.

Source: Milenio (sp)

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum stands at the presidential podium looking out at an audience off-camera with her fist raised and her mouth open as if cheering. Behind her is a wall with the words in Spanish: Plan Mexico, Strenghtening the Economy and Well-Being, Mexico City April 3, 2025.

Sheinbaum unveils an even more ambitious version of her transformative Plan México

2
Sheinbaum said the projects she announced as part of Plan México will bring about more well-paid employment, less poverty and inequality, greater investment and production and more innovation.
A clear-cut strip of land cuts through the jungle along the Maya Train route in Yucatán

Government promises restoration plan for Maya Train environmental damage

0
Government officials said the track's builders will be responsible for funding a restoration effort that includes reforestation and improving natural migration corridors.
Cans of Cororna Extra beer lying on a bed of large ice cubes

Trump announces new US tariffs on Mexican… beer

15
Mexico didn't end up on Donald Trump's "liberation day" list of enemy countries, although the U.S. did impose tariffs on a surprising Mexican item: beer in cans.