Popocatepetl volcano: what to do in case of eruption, step by step

The Popocatépetl volcano located between the State of Mexico and Puebla lit the traffic lights of recent volcanic activity that he has presented in recent days.

The concern increased when, on Thursday, March 28, the alarm light, which measures the danger of volcanic activity, it went from yellow phase 2 to yellow phase 3 because it emitted a fumarole of gas, steam and ash of about 2.5 km long.

In addition, during the 24 hours prior to the event, they registered 61 exhalations and 2 volcatectonic earthquakes.

The same day but at 19:48, another eruption occurred and threw a glowing material, but the status of the alert has not been changed.

This indicates that the communities surrounding the volcano are not yet in latent danger, however, The civil protection authorities have recommended to be alert.

Thalía Reyes, head of seismology at Skyalert, seismic warning company, commented in an interview with Infobae Mexico that periodic eruptions they are characteristic of the Popocatépetl volcano. The exhalations that he has made in recent days correspond to his cycle of natural activity.

However, the geology expert pointed out that the possibility of a strong explosion is not ruled out which causes damage in the surrounding communities.

"Although this is not a surprise, there are many institutions that they carry out a surveillance of different types to be able to know when it is possible that the gravity of an eruption increasesSo, there is an interval of time for the population around the volcano to prepare and evacuate, "said Thalía Reyes.

To be able to prevent and act in case of eruption, governments have issued action protocols to protect the lives of residents.

Official Protocol of volcanic activity

The Government of the State of Mexico, one of the states most affected by the volcanic explosion, recommend a series of steps to follow when the light is still yellow.

"Although the monitoring shows that you are only in a phase of prevention, the villagers must start taking the necessary steps so that, if the fire turns red clear out"explains Thalía Reyes, expert in geological risks.

First all family members and close acquaintances should be prepared with a card containing the person's name and his address. Especially in the case of minors.

After, you have to check the water services, gas and lighting from home to find out how they are closed and do it in case of evacuation.

It is also advisable to make a emergency suitcase where the stocks of water, food and medicine are packagedIn addition, keep important documents for the family. It must also contain radio batteries, residence keys and flashlights.

The authorities recommend cover deposits of water and food so that they are not contaminated by falling ashes and in the case of people having outdoor animals (as livestock) they should be addressed directly to the civil protection staff.

When the traffic light alert go in red phase, the time of the populations near the volcano evacuate. Families must carry their identity card, meet and go to meeting to be transferred to temporary sheltersor if they know their location and have the means to move, go directly to their home.

It is important that a white sheet is placed at the entrance of the evacuated housesso that Civil Protection identifies them more quickly and that protocols are applied effectively.

Once people reach the the shelter must be registered and go to the medical service if necessary.

If for some reason there are those who do not know where to go and if there is no means of transportation to carry out the evacuation, You should walk very high to escape the volcano and reach a safe place.

When there is no danger, the civil protection authorities will inform the residents so that can go home. On arrival, it is necessary to sweep the Be careful not to fall into the sewer and do not throw away spoiled food.

Populations who would be affected by a rash

The areas to be evacuated correspond to the proximity of the volcano. The closer a population is to the crater, the more likely it is to be affected by volcanic activity that it is ash, ballistic (fragments of volcanic material) and lava.

The area of ​​the State of Mexico that is part of the first circle of danger, corresponds to the highest risk municipalities are Ecatzingo, Atlautla, San Juan Tehuixtitlan, San Pedro Nexapa, Ozumba, Tepetlixpa and Xochitán.

On the Puebla side the areas that should expel They are Santiago Xalitzintla, San Pedro Yancuitlapan, San Nicolás de Los Ranchos, San Buenavista NealticanSan Baltazar Atlimiyaya, San Pedro Benito Juarez, La Magdalena Yancutlalpan and Santa Catalina.

Thalía Reyes de Skyalert commented that in Mexico, it would be affected only by the ashes falling. This could affect the quality of the air, in addition to covering the drains.

In this case, the Secretariat for Integral Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness recommends Do not leave the house or workplace, do not close doors and windows, do not wear a mask, do not wear glbades, avoid contact lenses and cover the efforts as well as the electrical installations.

"We must be attentive to the recommendations of the Civil Protection and follow the protocols of action. And if there is no stronger explosion, enjoy the show that gives us the night Popocatépetl"said the expert in geology.