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Mexico's Popocatepetl Volcano Erupts Again
The powerful Popocatepetl volcano, located 75 kilometers southeast of the capital, has erupted more than 200 times since Monday afternoon. On one occasion the volcano spewed a column of ash five kilometers into the air, authorities said Wednesday, December 13.
This is the third major eruption by the 5,452-meter high active volcano this year. The explosions were accompanied by minor seismic activity.
The eruption sent a large cloud of ash northeast toward the Gulf of Mexico more than 80 kilometers away. The volcano also showered surrounding towns and cities, including Mexico City, with volcanic ash.
The local government has not yet ordered the evacuation of residents living near the volcano, but warned them to stay at least seven kilometers away from the crater. The authorities predicted that the volcano will continue to erupt and release ash.
The volcano has been silent for 67 years; it came back to life in December 1994. In August and November, it registered two of its largest eruptions, spewing ash and rock high into the air.
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