The Popocatépetl volcano registered intense activity over the weekend and into Monday morning, according to the National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC). The CNPC’s monitoring system, the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred), recorded 12 explosions, 3.3 hours of tremors, and 196 gas or ash emissions within a 24-hour span.
“In the last 24 hours, through the Popocatépetl volcano monitoring systems, 196 emissions were accompanied by water vapor, volcanic gas, and slight amounts of ash. Also, 199 minutes of low-amplitude and high-frequency tremors were recorded yesterday, along with 12 minor explosions,” Cenapred reported on Sunday.
Webcams de México recorded the impressive volcanic activity, which can be seen in several videos shared on their Twitter feed.
Impresionante explosión del volcán #Popocatépetl hace unos minutos, 6:39 hrs.
Vista San Nicolás de los Ranchos #Puebla vía @jabed1
Para ver en tiempo real:https://t.co/4yt8RjzpXe
Video pic.twitter.com/VYS8i6ummN
— Webcams de México (@webcamsdemexico) December 19, 2022
Webcams de México is a system of stationary cameras in place across the country which capture the beauty of its major cities, tourist towns, and natural areas. However, government officials also frequently use the camera system to monitor natural disasters and the resulting damage.
Popocatépetl’s rumblings represent a Phase 2 Yellow Alert, which indicates an increase in activity and warns of light to moderate ashfall in surrounding towns, and the possibility of mudslides and pyroclastic flows (made up of lava, ash, and hot gas).
The CNPC warned nearby populations not to approach the volcano, and to be aware of the possibility of mud and debris flows in the case of heavy rain. It also requested that residents close doors and windows, avoid wearing contact lenses, cover water containers and food, and to wear a face mask in the case of respiratory illnesses due to falling ash. A population of 25 million people resides within 100 km of the volcano.
