Mexico's towering Popocatépetl volcano has roared to life in a dramatic display of nature's power, spewing volcanic ash high into the atmosphere and creating widespread disruption across central Mexico.
Ash Cloud Reaches Capital
The massive ash plume from the eruption has travelled approximately 45 miles northwest, blanketing parts of Mexico City in a fine layer of grey ash. Residents reported ash falling like snow in several neighbourhoods of the world's third-largest metropolitan area.
Transport Chaos Across Central Mexico
The volcanic activity has forced significant transport disruptions, with ground transport suspended between Mexico City and several major urban centres including Puebla, Tlaxcala, and the Veracruz port city. Authorities are advising travellers to check conditions before attempting journeys in the affected regions.
Aviation Warnings Implemented
Mexico's disaster prevention agency has raised the alert level to yellow phase two, indicating intermediate to high activity. Aviation authorities have issued warnings to aircraft to avoid the airspace around the volcano, though major airport closures haven't yet been implemented.
Monitoring Continues
Scientists are closely monitoring Popocatépetl, which has been particularly active in recent years. The 17,797-foot volcano, whose name means 'smoking mountain' in Nahuatl, sits between the states of Mexico, Puebla, and Morelos, approximately 45 miles southeast of Mexico City.
Local authorities have advised residents to cover water supplies, wear face masks when outdoors, and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas until the ash settles.
