Volcanic alert level raised as eruption intensifies at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico

According to the latest report by CENAPRED on July 6, 2013 in the last 24 hours monitoring system at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico has registered a series of low and high frequency tremors lasting 20 hours, accompanied by a persistent emission of gas and ash producing a column that reached 3 kilometers in height, moving in the northwestern direction. Additionally, the monitoring system at the volcano has registered 4 hours of high intensity harmonic tremor.

Latest seismogram from Popocatepetl volcano (Credit: CENAPRED)

There were also 3 explosive events of moderate magnitude, the most important of which happened on July 6, 2013 at 05:33 UTC. Due to weather conditions it was not possible to observe the volcano during these events. However, in the early hours of July 6, 2013 the continuous emission of gases and ash that reached more than 2 kilometers high heading northwest was observed. Also incandescent bombs were seen at altitudes above 1 kilometer being emitted up to 1.5 kilometers from the crater.

Infrared image captured on July 5, 2013 showing the explosions at Popocatepetl(Credit: CENAPRED)

Because of the increased activity at Popocatepetl volcano, the National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC) of the Ministry of Interior (SEGOB), the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) and Scientific Advisory Committee determined in agreement, to raise the volcanic alert level from yellow phase 2 to yellow phase 3.

Here is a video of the latest eruption:

Source: CENAPRED

Featured image: Eruption at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico on July 7, 2013 (Credit: CENAPRED-TOCHIMILCO)