Popocatépetl (Nahuatl: Popōcatēpetl, “smoking mountain”) is an active stratovolcano in Central Mexico, including Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico. It is located in the eastern part of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. At 5,465 m (17,930 ft), it is the second highest peak in Mexico, after Citlaltépetl at 5,636 m (18,503 ft).
Popocatépetl has been erupting intermittently for centuries. Its most recent eruption began in December 1994 and has continued to the present day. The Mexican government and the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) closely monitor the volcano.
Many tourists visit the volcano, and multiple hiking trails go up to the top. However, the volcano is also a potential hazard, and visitors should be aware of the risks involved.
In recent weeks, Popocatépetl has been showing signs of increased activity. The volcano has been releasing ash and gas, and there have been reports of small earthquakes in the area. The Mexican government has raised the alert level for the volcano to yellow, which means an eruption is possible.
People living near Popocatépetl should be prepared for an eruption. They should have a plan for evacuating their homes and a supply of food, water, and other essentials.
Here are some safety tips for people living near Popocatépetl:
- Stay informed about the volcano’s activity. To stay informed, keep an ear out for updates from the Mexican government by listening to the radio or watching TV.
- Have a plan for evacuating your home. Know where you will go and what you will take with you.
- Have a supply of food, water, and other essentials. This should include enough food and water for at least three days. You should also have a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
- Stay away from the volcano. Refrain from attempting to climb the volcano or go near the crater.
- If you see ash or gas, stay indoors. Close windows and doors and turn off the air conditioner.
- If you have respiratory problems, wear a mask.
- If you are pregnant, have a heart condition, or are elderly, be especially careful.
The Mexican government is taking steps to mitigate the risks posed by Popocatépetl. The government has built shelters in the area and plans to evacuate people if an eruption occurs. The government is also working to improve the early warning system for the volcano.
Popocatépetl is a beautiful and fascinating volcano but also a potential hazard. People living near the volcano should be prepared for an eruption and take steps to protect themselves.
Popocatépetl is an active stratovolcano in central Mexico, about 70 kilometres (43 miles) southeast of Mexico City. It is one of the most iconic and active volcanoes in the country. The name “Popocatépetl” comes from the Nahuatl language and means “Smoking Mountain.”
Here are some critical facts about Popocatépetl:
- Elevation: The volcano’s height is 5,426 meters (17,802 feet) above sea level, making it the second-tallest peak in Mexico, following Pico de Orizaba.
- Activity: Popocatépetl has a long history of volcanic activity. It is considered an active volcano, with its most recent eruptive phase beginning in 1994. Since then, it has had multiple episodes of eruptions, emitting ash, gas, and occasional lava flows.
- Monitoring: The National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) in Mexico closely monitors the volcano. They use various tools, including seismic activity sensors, gas measurements, and visual observations, to track the volcano’s behaviour and provide early warning systems to nearby communities.
- Danger zone: Popocatépetl has a restricted danger zone around its summit due to its activity. This area is off-limits to the public to ensure safety in case of eruptions or other volcanic hazards. However, hiking trails and viewpoints are available at a safe distance for visitors to observe the volcano.
- Impact on nearby communities: Popocatépetl’s eruptions and volcanic activity can potentially pose risks to nearby communities. Ashfall, pyroclastic flows, lahars (mudflows), and volcanic gases are some of the hazards associated with the volcano. As a result, evacuation plans and emergency preparedness measures are in place to protect the local population.
- Cultural significance: Popocatépetl has been a significant part of the region’s cultural and mythological heritage for centuries. An ancient legend states that it is believed to be the burial site of two lovers, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Their story has become a symbol of eternal love in Mexican folklore.
Suppose you’re planning to visit or want specific information about the current state of Popocatépetl. In that case, it’s always best to consult official sources like CENAPRED or local authorities for the latest updates on its activity and any safety recommendations.
A mountain climber and guide in Mexico recorded when the Popocatépetl produced tremor activity. He posted the video to his TikTok account, @oraleguerry, and it quickly went viral.
Volcanic tremors are the sounds that come from the volcano when the active volcano’s magma hits the chamber’s walls, combined with the explosions from pockets of gas on the walls of the volcano’s peak.
In the video, the man gets as close as one kilometre from the volcano in Mexico, which began erupting last week.
According to airport authorities, Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM) was temporarily closed on Saturday, and some flights were delayed on Monday due to the presence of volcanic ash.
“Air travellers may continue to experience additional flight delays, cancellations, or temporary airport closures with little or no warning,” the US embassy in Mexico said, with the airport also issuing a similar alert.
State authorities have also suspended in-person classes in schools across 40 municipalities in Puebla, five towns in Mexico and seven in Tlaxcala and said the classes would be held remotely.
The US embassy in Mexico warned on Saturday, saying the Popocatépetl volcano “has exhibited increased activity since May 15, registering hundreds of tremors and smoke and ash exhalations.”
