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Mexico's Popocatepetl Volcano Erupts Forcing Evacuations
The active Popocatepetl Volcano in central Mexico spurted flaming mass rocks and lava high into the sky Monday night in a major eruption, prompting the government to send troops to help with the evacuation of residents living in nearby communities.
The 5,452-meter volcano, 75 kilometers southeast of the capital, began to emit a shower of red-hot rocks, lava and ash at 7 p.m. Monday (0100 GMT Tuesday), shortly after a loud and persistent rumbling inside, local media reports said.
On one occasion, volcanic rock was shooting up one kilometer above the crater, lighting the night sky like a fireworks display.
The eruption, the strongest in the current phase of increased activity in the volcano, sparked panic among nearby residents.
There are no immediate reports of casualties from the volcano's recent outburst.
Mexican President Vicente Fox, who is personally in charge of the relief work, sent 2,400 soldiers and police officers to conduct a forced evacuation of residents who ignored the government's earlier pleas to leave.
More than 40,000 persons have been moved to makeshift shelters since the volcano began its current phase of eruptions. But there are still villagers who have refuse to leave their homes in order to guard their property.
The volcano came back to life in December 1994 after having been silent for 67 years. In August and November, it registered two of its strongest eruptions, spewing vapor, ash and rock several kilometers into the air.
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