Popocatepetl volcano alert level raised, Mexico
Image credit: CENAPRED
Mexican authorities have raised the alert level for Popocatepetl volcano from Yellow Phase 2 to Yellow Phase 3 on March 28, 2019.
The decision was made due to increased activity observed in recent days, possible magma expulsion and explosions of increased intensity.
Over the past 24 hours, Popocatepetl monitoring network detected 61 exhalations, accompanied by water vapor, volcanic gases and low ash content.
An explosion was also recorded at 06:50 LT, which generated an ash column with moderate ash content to 2.5 km (1.5 feet). The eruption threw incandescent material up to 1 km (0.6 miles) from the crater.
In addition, the network detected 130 minutes of exhalation sequence that started at 05:38 and ended at 07:38 LT. Two volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded, at 20:35 LT – M2.0 and 20:43 LT – M2.1.
Another strong explosion occurred at 01:48 UTC on March 29 (19:48 LT, March 28). Ash emission reached an initial height of 3 km (1.8 miles) above the crater. Incandescent fragments were thrown up to 2 km (1.2 miles):
A spectacular explosive eruption started at Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano at 01:23 UTC on March 27 (19:23 LT, March 26), with volcanic ash reaching 8.5 km (28 000 feet) a.s.l.
Incandescent material was thrown up to 2 km (1.2 miles) from the crater, sparking fires on the slopes of the volcano.
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