Mexico'S Popocateptl Volcano Spews Out Ash And Rocks

Mexico's Popocateptl volcano spews out ash and rocks 2012-04-19 08:50:35 GMT+7 (ICT) PUEBLA, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano on Wednesday continued its increasing activity, spewing out dense ash clouds and volcanic material.On Wednesday morning, at around 6:35 a.m. local time, Popocateptl - which is located around 55 kilometers southeast of Mexico City and on the outskirts of three different states, namely Puebla, Morelos and the State of Mexico - began spewing out thick ash clouds and fragments of incandescent volcanic material over one kilometer high.Volcanic rocks rolled down its northern and northeastern slopes some between 500 and 800 meters. As a result, local authorities have placed a safety zone measuring twelve kilometers in radius from the volcano's crater.Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center (Cenapred) has been monitoring the volcano's activity after its status was recently upgraded to phase II within the Yellow Alert level. Mexico's alert levels begin with two phases within the Green Alert level, followed by three Yellow Alert phases, which preceed the final two Red Alert phases.According to the alert system, Popocateptl's current status shows that the volcano's explosive activity has reached an intermediate to high level as ash clouds have been constantly been affecting nearby communities. The status also warns locals to prepare for evacuation with its increased explosive activity and a posible eruption of magma.The closest community belongs to the municipality of Ecatzingo in the State of Mexico, which is located approximately 19 kilometers from the crater. Nervous residents have been warned to stay alert for further indications. While the state Education Ministry ordered the suspension of classes, schools remained open.

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