Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano is moderately active. As reported on Saturday, in the previous 24 hours, “19 fumes” were detected, accompanied by water vapor, gases and ash. Monitoring services reported that “Don Goyo” is in the second – yellow – phase on a three-point scale.
“Don Goyo” – because that’s what the Mexican volcano Popocatépetl is called – has scared the locals again in recent days. Over the past 24 hours, 19 fumes, accompanied by water vapor, volcanic gases and sometimes small amounts of ash, were detected over the previous 24 hours, according to the services monitoring its activity. This can be seen in the pictures from the weather cameras below.
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Then, on Saturday, emissions of water vapor and volcanic gases were observed dissipating to the west. This is shown in the next photo.
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Volcanic yellow beacon
As explained by the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred), the so-called Volcanic Alert Signal has therefore turned on for Popocatépetl a yellow light, which means the second level of alert on a three-point scale (from green, through yellow, to red).
Experts indicated what scenarios are envisaged for this phase. These include:
- minor or medium bursts;
- occurrence of vibrations with variable amplitude;
- light to moderate ash fall in surrounding towns and some remote areas;
- ejection of incandescent fragments within a radius of 12 kilometers;
- the possibility of lahars (volcanic flows) descending the gorges, especially in connection with the expected rains in the coming weeks;
- the possibility of pyroclastic avalanches (consisting of lava, pumice, ash, volcanic gas), which, however, should not threaten the local residents.
The activity of the volcano is constantly monitored by Cenapred in collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Popocatépetl – volcano and the second highest peak in Mexico
Popocatépetl is an active volcano in central Mexico, located 70 kilometers southeast of Mexico City. Rising to almost 5,400 meters above sea level, it is the second highest peak in the country after Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba), measuring over 5,600 meters.
It lay dormant for decades until it erupted in 1994. Since then, he often makes himself known. Serious Popocatépetl activity was last reported in the spring of this yearwhen it covered the entire area with a layer of ash, leading to the closure of some schools and the suspension of flights. At that time, it was expected that up to three million inhabitants would have to be evacuated.
Main photo source: pricepred.unam.mx