Residents complained of their “windows vibrating” after two massive explosions within minutes at a volcano in Mexico. After a weekend of intense activity, Popocatepetl volcano erupted twice in just eight minutes as ash was pumped soaring 1,500 metres into the air. The Popocatepetl volcano, located in the states of Puebla, Morelos and State of Mexico, in central Mexico, started its activity over the weekend, disrupting nearby towns.
Intense activity triggered ash to fall in five districts within the State of Mexico before it erupted on Monday evening.
At just after 7pm local time, Civil Protection of Puebla reported activity on the slopes and constant emission of water vapour, gases and ash.
Wind in the region dispersed particles west and northwest of the state.
But, at 10.19pm local time, a first explosion was recorded, pumping ash a material 1,500 metres into the skyline.
Just minutes later at 10.27pm another explosion was recorded at the volcano.
Local residents claimed the explosions had caused their windows to “vibrate”.
One person wrote on Twitter: “The explosion was heard loudly in Amecameca, the windows vibrated.”
The Popocatepetl volcano currently has a yellow phase two warning, urging the population to remain vigilant and prepare for a possible evacuation.
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Posting on Twitter, the Civil Protection agency warned “it is urged not to approach the volcano” after the eruptions at 10.19pm.
They later warned of blast around 00.09am on Tuesday morning, generating “a 1km column with moderate ash content”.
Local residents were urged not to approach the volcano, especially the crater, due to the danger of falling fragments and in case of heavy rains.
They were also warned to stay away from the base of the ravines due to the danger of mud and debris flows.
Local reports claimed there had been slight ashfall was in Tlalmanalco, Amecameca and Tenango del Aire in the State of Mexico.
The National Centre for Disaster Prevention, in case of ashfall, recommends avoiding outdoor activities and urges residents to remain indoors.
If residents do have to leave their homes, they are urged to “cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or mouthpiece”.
Residents are also urged to make sure they protect their eyes, and if they “suffer from respiratory illness” to “stay inside your home”.
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.