The Popocatépetl volcano has become more active: why the capital of Mexico was warned about ash
Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (Cenapred) together with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México recorded a surge in activity of the volcano Popocatépetl. Over 24 hours, the monitoring stations registered 85 weak emissions of water vapor and volcanic gases, 139 minutes of tremors, and a volcanotectonic earthquake of magnitude 1.8.
The plume of emissions moved west and northwest. Protección Civil warned of possible volcanic ash deposits in five districts of the capital — Iztapalapa, Milpa Alta, Tláhuac, Tlalpan and Xochimilco. According to experts, the plume could also affect the states of Puebla, Mexico City, Morelos, Guerrero and Oaxaca.
The volcanic hazard level remains at "yellow-2" phase. Rescuers are urging people to strictly avoid approaching the crater closer than 12 kilometers due to the risk of hot debris flying, and to avoid ravine beds during possible rains due to the risk of mudflows.
Context
Popocatepetl is closely associated in Mexican culture with the nearby peak Ixtaccihuatl. According to a local legend recorded by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, these mountains represent a warrior and a princess: the profile of Ixtaccihuatl resembles a sleeping woman, and the smoky plume of Popocatepetl symbolizes the torch with which the enamored warrior constantly guards the peace of his beloved.