Popocatépetl volcano: the authorities announce a new explosion, the fire remains in yellow phase three

The volcano Popocatepetl recorded a new explosion this Thursday around the 19:40 local time, which involved launching incandescent material and ash emission. According to the National Center for Disaster Reduction (CENAPRED), ashes are spreading South East.

The explosion was described as moderate intensity, although it was launched Incandescent fragments on the slopes and a column of ash 3 km. The Red light will stay in #AmarilloFase3.

Since March 18, the Popocatépetl has entered a constant activity, which caused that day, the authorities changed the yellow light of phase two into yellow phase three. In addition, they stated that it was a priority avoid getting near the volcano.

Puebla State Civil Protection has indicated that in the event of a contingency, 205 temporary shelters are prepared to accommodate the entire population who lives near the colossus, located in San Martín Texmelucan, San Andrés and San Pedro Cholula, city of Puebla and Izucar de Matamoros.

In case of eruption, 18 municipalities would be affected. Some of them are Amecameca, Ycapixtla, Cuautla, Zacualpan, Cholula and Atlixco. The Social Development Secretariat in Puebla informed that the the priority sites to be evacuated are 6: Tenapa, Cuilotepec, Tochimizolco, Huilango, Atzitzihuacan and Zacatempa. However, they are followed by 10 others.

The authorities have indicated that this type of event is envisaged in the scenarios envisaged at the yellow level of the third stage, where the important thing is to maintain the escape routes in good condition and adequate signage.

The alert includes the verification of temporary shelters and the performing exercises, in addition to the examination of evacuation procedures and resources.

The traffic control between Santiago Xalitzintla and San Pedro Nexapa, via Paso de Cortés, is kept under control until further notice.

After the explosion recorded by Popocatépetl volcano on March 26, 261 exhalations were identified, accompanied by water vapor, volcanic gases and a low ash content, according to the published CENAPRED report Thursday in his report.

The National Coordinator of Civil Protection, David Eduardo León Romero, said the Colossus is one of the 10 most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The experts are monitoring him around the clock. Since March 14, his activity has intensified, as reported by the University of Manchester.