MEXICO CITY – On Monday, Popocatépetl, Mexico’s active volcano near the capital, erupted, spewing ash plumes and causing the temporary closure of two airports. For over a week, the volcano has been progressively explosive, with ash falling, reducing visibility and affecting transportation. Schools were closed in several municipalities, and evacuation drills were conducted as a precaution. Despite the events, Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, confided in the public that safety measures had been devised in case of a potential eruption, including the mobilization of 6,500 troops and the establishment of shelters for those who would be affected.
Popocatépetl, which stands at 17,797 feet tall, has undergone varying phases of higher activity since its most recent return in 1994, including 2000 to 2003 and 2012 to 2016. Nonetheless, official sources say that there is presently no danger to public safety. On Saturday, the alert level for Popocatepetl increased from yellow phase two to yellow phase three, following an escalation in activity in the previous week. The Scientific Advisory Committee suggested the level increase due to frequent resumed exhalations, moderate explosions, and the expulsion of ash and molten rocks. The volcano’s recent ashfall led to a halt in operations at Mexico City’s two main airports for several hours.
A yellow phase three alert denotes “intermediate to high” volcanic activity, such as persistent emissions of smoke, gas, and light ashfall, alongside intensifying explosions and the spewing of incandescent rocks. Popocatepetl is located about 70 km southeast of Mexico City, standing at over 5,400 meters above sea level.
Conclusion
Popocatépetl’s eruption stands as a reminder of the volatility of some of the planet’s most distinctive natural features. As we have seen, the Mexican authorities have been carefully monitoring Popocatepetl, indicating the level of detail that goes into trying to predict and prepare for volcanic activity. Nonetheless, despite sizable resources and a skilled team of scientists, such jarring natural events always pose a risk, and their precise timing and magnitude remain unpredictable until the last moment.
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