The Popocatépetl volcano reported 120 exhalations in the last day, according to daily monitoring carried out by the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) together with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Currently, Don Goyo -as it is also called- is in phase 2 yellow, according to the Cenapred and UNAM Volcanic Alert Traffic Light.
Consequently, a call is made to the population not to approach the volcano, especially the crater, due to the danger of falling ballistic fragments.
If there are downpours in the Popocatépetl area, it is important to stay away from the bottom of the ravines, due to the danger of mud and debris flow.
The federal authorities called on citizens to ignore rumors and be attentive to the information issued by the National Civil Protection Coordination through its official channels and accounts, which are: www.gob.mx/cenapred and @CNPC_MX on Twitter.
Cenapred also has the following telephone numbers for people to report emergencies related to volcanic activity: 800-713-4147 and 911.
Volcanic Alert Traffic Light
To warn of the danger of an active volcano, such as Popocatépetl, Cenapred and UNAM have the Volcanic Alert Traffic Light.
Like any other traffic light, the Volcanic Alert has three colors: green, yellow, and red. Here we explain what each color means:
Green
The green color means that everything is normal, this color has two phases, in phase one, it means that the volcano is calm, while in phase two there are only slight measurements of activity, such as fumaroles and sporadic seismic activity.
Yellow
The yellow color indicates that the activity of the volcano is greater. This color is divided into three phases:
Phase one, when the volcano presents clear signs of activity, such as frequent local volcanic seismicity, fumaroles or plumes of water and gas vapor, as well as sporadic and light ash emissions.
Phase two, in which the volcano shows an increase in activity with sporadic explosions, a continuous plume of steam and water, slight to moderate ashfall in nearby towns, the launch of incandescent fragments, and the possibility of short-range pyroclastic flows associated with the explosions. Growth and destruction of lava domes, as well as short-range mud or debris flows.
Phase three, the volcano presents explosive activity of intermediate to high scale, rapid growth of large domes and their destruction in strong explosions, plumes of water vapor, gases, and persistent ash, explosions of increasing intensity with the launch of incandescent fragments, possibility of medium-range pyroclastic flows and notorious ash fall in nearby towns.
Red
The color red means that there is danger and you must be ready to evacuate. This color is divided into two phases:
Phase one means that the volcano shows explosive activity on an intermediate to high scale, the emission of columns of water vapor and gas is several kilometers high, launching of incandescent fragments on the slopes of the volcano, significant ash fall in towns and distant cities, as well as pyroclastic flows and mudflows that can reach nearby towns.
Phase two, the volcano presents explosive activity from high to extreme scale, the eruptive columns are tens of kilometers high and far-reaching, intense falls of ash, sand, and volcanic fragments over populations at greater distances, possible partial collapses of the volcanic edifice, pyroclastic flows, and massive debris flows that can reach nearby and intermediate populations, large lahars with devastating effects and serious damage to the environment.
Popocatépetl is one of the most active volcanoes in the country and is located in the territorial limits of the entities of Morelos, Puebla, and the State of Mexico, however, it is close to Mexico City and Tlaxcala.
The Popocatépetl volcano has an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level, which makes it the second highest in the country.
“Don Goyo” is active and, according to scientists from the University of Manchester, it is the fifth volcano at risk of erupting in the next few years.
Mexico, a country of volcanoes
In Mexico, there are at least 46 active volcanoes, of which six are designated as high risk by Cenapred, which is why it monitors their activity to react in a timely manner in case of an emergency or a major eruption.
The most dangerous volcanoes are: Popocatépetl; the Fuego Volcano, in Colima; the Ceboruco, in Nayarit; the Pico de Orizaba, on the border of Veracruz and Puebla; the Chichón, in Chiapas and the Tacaná, which is on the border with Guatemala.
In the event of a major explosion of Popocatépetl, it would not trigger a chain detonation because each volcano is independent, each one has its own conduits, its own sources of magma, which are not directly related.
The Popocatépetl volcano reported 120 exhalations in the last day, according to daily monitoring carried out by the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred . . .
