This week, the Popocatepetl volcano in Mexico, also called "El Popo," spewed massive plumes of ash that put millions of residents living on the outskirts of Mexico City and other adjacent communities in peril. The locals have been warned about a potential evacuation as experts expect the volcano to erupt soon.
El Popo's Eruption Could Affect 22 Million People
A massive 5,426 m (17,797 ft) volcano has become active again, putting the lives of 22 million people living in adjacent settlements in jeopardy, Daily Star reported.
Over the past week, a series of relatively minor flare-ups of Popocatepetl, 45 miles (72 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City, resulted in ash falling from the sky and forcing 11 adjacent villages to close their schools temporarily.
Since it resumed activity in 1994, the volcano has been spewing ash, gases, and rock lumps on a largely regular basis for the past 29 years. However, according to the Associated Press, geologists predict it may erupt soon, possibly sending lava spilling down its slopes and blasting deadly gas and ash plumes into the air.
The volcano, locally referred to as "El Popo," is situated close enough to Mexico City's urban area, threatening millions of lives in the event of an eruption. A serious eruption may disrupt air travel or envelop the city in ash clouds. Ash also landed in the cities of Puebla and Atlixco.
Around Popocatepetl's peak, six cameras, a thermal imaging device, and twelve seismological monitoring stations are used to monitor the volcano 24/7.
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What Did The Residents Say About The Volcanic Activities?
The volcanic activities had already prompted the Mexican government to raise the warning level, and classes had been canceled in dozens of municipalities. On Monday, federal officials, local and state, held drills for possible evacuations.
Violeta Fuentes, 39, who lives on the outskirts of Santiago Xalitzintla with her husband and two kids, ages nine and d12, told AP News they could hear the volcano's activities at night. They could also reportedly see the glow from the crater. According to her, it would go out one moment and light up again.
Fuentes and her family were worried about the impact of ash on their crops. Her father-in-law's corn was reportedly already coated in it.
Claudia de la Cruz, 27, with two kids ages 3 and 5, shares the same sentiments as Fuentes. According to her, it is worrisome because they don't know when a huge or small explosion will occur.
Her husband hikes up the volcano to collect firewood for charcoal. She said he heard sounds like the peaks were crashing down, and there was shaking. She complimented her spouse for being brave for them.
Job Amalco, a driver, wasn't bothered at all. He says they are not scared at all, noting how they are "spectators of what nature gives us."
The US embassy in Medico issued a warning Saturday warning people not to travel within a 7.5-mile radius of the volcano, citing local authorities. El Popo had been dormant for decades until it erupted in 1994. Since it came to life, rumblings have been a regular part of the residents' daily lives, according to CNN.
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