Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – The Secretary of the Interior, Julio Huerta Gómez, emphasized that local, state, and federal agencies are organizing tours of evacuation routes and shelters in communities near the Popocatépetl volcano.
In the past few days, convoys of personnel from the army, civil protection, and state government have been visible in communities close to Don Goyo.
Huerta Gómez urged the residents around the volcano to remain calm amidst its ongoing activity. He reiterated that the volcanic alert level is still at yellow phase 2, with any changes to be promptly reported.
Health officials have advised the consistent use of face masks and goggles to protect against the ash fall and prevent related illnesses.
On the morning of May 17, the Valley of Mexico experienced a loud explosion from the Popocatépetl volcano. The eruption, captured by Mexico’s webcams, showed the volcano releasing incandescent material and lightning from a large cloud of ash and smoke.
The volcano can be viewed from various towns including Tlamacas, Amecameca, Altzomoni, San Nicolás de los Ranchos, Tinaguismanalco, and the Panoaya Hacienda through the Webcams of Mexico.
Residents living near Mexico’s 12 active volcanoes, including Popocatépetl and the Fire of Colima, are advised to take certain precautions in case of a major eruption. During powerful eruptions, materials such as lava, rocks, vapors, gases, and ashes are released, which can pose risks to health.
Precautions include staying indoors, closing doors and windows, covering nose and mouth when outdoors, and avoiding contact lenses to minimize eye irritation. In case of ash fall, it’s recommended to use a damp cloth for nose and mouth protection, and protective glasses for eyes.
Residents should also stock up on enough water for at least a week, cover water storage units, and avoid using ash-contaminated water for drinking or food preparation.
In addition, it’s advised to avoid eating food in public, wash any outdoor fruits and vegetables, and properly dispose of ashes, being careful to avoid blocking drains.
Interestingly, the ash can be repurposed for parks, gardens, and farmland as it is rich in minerals.
Lastly, it’s crucial to stay informed about directives from Civil Protection authorities.
Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The Secretary of the Interior, Julio Huerta Gómez, emphasized that local, state, and federal agencies are organizing tours of evacuation . . .
