On Friday, November 25, Mexico's Popocatépetl volcano finally burst into life as it violently erupted towering pillars of volcanic ash into the Earth's atmosphere. These pillars of ash, rock fragments, and hot gas are estimated to have reached five kilometers high and affected small towns and communities near the volcano, some 70 kilometers southeast of Mexico City.
According to the country's director of civil protection, Luis Felipe Puente, this volcanic explosion released hot gas and ash for 20 minutes around 10:47 a.m. local time, marking the first eruption for this century after more than 20 years. Scientists had warned that the Popo volcano might erupt again. Record evacuations indicate that this might be the strongest eruption in the last thousand years.
Scientists have been anticipating this eruption. The volcano has been under observation since 2012. Volcanologists had identified a specific region where stress has been building up along with some erratic activity.
In April, the volcano showed some signs of eruption with low rumblings and tremors, spewing some ash and even lava. However, local authorities said that such volcanic activities had been witnessed by locals for decades.
The Popocatépetl volcano is considered as the second highest peak in Mexico and is located in a region known as the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. Since the volcano has been dormant for years, its peak has been home to glaciers. However, due to this recent eruption, these glaciers are now dwindling in size.
Within the first 24 hours of the volcano's eruption, locals reported 129 events of tall ash columns being emitted by the volcano, three major explosions, and a 1.8 magnitude tremor. Local authorities have warned residents and tourists to keep at a safe distance from the volcano.
Activities such as hiking and strolling around the volcano's crater are now prohibited as ash fall and hot rocks pose a fatal threat. Due to this incessant ash fall, residents have been strongly advised to take extra health precautions by staying indoors or wearing protective face masks to prevent inhaling ash that might trigger respiratory illnesses.
Popocatépetl continues to erupt as of November 28, Monday.