Ash Fall from Popocatépetl Volcano Affects Puebla; Flights Cancelled and Schools Under Alert

Puebla, Mexico – Residents of Puebla experienced ash fall early Tuesday, March 5, following significant exhalations from the Popocatépetl volcano. Due to the volcanic activity, Huejotzingo Airport has suspended Volaris flights for the day, impacting travel plans and prompting immediate local government action.

The Puebla state government has announced that the volcanic alert traffic light remains at Yellow Phase 2, indicating that while precautionary measures are necessary, there is currently no need for evacuation in communities surrounding the volcano. Despite the ash fall, classes in affected areas will continue as scheduled, albeit under specific safety guidelines.

The Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) has issued a set of recommendations to schools in the vicinity, including San Lorenzo Chiautzingo, Cuautlancingo, and other municipalities. These measures aim to protect students and staff from the adverse effects of volcanic ash. They include keeping doors and windows closed, organizing cleaning tasks, seeking medical attention for throat and eye irritations, avoiding outdoor activities, ensuring water containers are properly covered, wearing protective headgear and face masks, and adhering to health ministry instructions.

The Civil Protection Directorate has utilized the HYSPLIT model to predict the path of the ash, forecasting that, in the event of further emissions, areas to the east-northeast including Angelopolis, Northern Sierra, Central Valleys, and Northeastern Sierra could be affected. The states of Tlaxcala and Veracruz are also on alert for possible ash fall.

Residents and visitors in the affected regions are advised to stay informed through official channels and to follow all safety recommendations to minimize health risks associated with the volcanic ash.