Popocatépetl, Puebla — Mexico’s active Popocatépetl volcano continues to erupt with its latest explosion throwing lava two kilometers along its slopes and spewing ash three kilometers into the air.
The continual activity has been closely monitored by la Coordinación Nacional de Protección Civil who have issued a Phase 3 warning for those living near the volcano.
According to the National Center for Disaster Prevention, the ash is spreading to the southeast causing a state alert for residents in San Martín Texmelucan, San Andrés and San Pedro Cholula, Puebla and Izúcar.
The explosions began March 18 and has since produced constant activity with the latest explosion Thursday at 7:40 p.m. creating the Phase 3 yellow alert.
Even with the alert and size of the explosion, state officials are categorizing it as moderate, however, they also say they have 205 temporary shelters ready in the event of an emergency.