Volcanoes eruptions are not something to be trifled with, especially those near a megalopolis, and millions of people in Mexico are being told that message in no uncertain terms and making plans to evacuate as authorities warn that the Popocatepetl volcano is set to erupt with increased ferocity.
The warning is just one notch below an official red alert, and smoke, ash, and molten rock are already spewing into the air. The volcano is a landmark that towers above Mexico City, and the danger level is extreme because of the population in Mexico City – roughly 25 million people live within 60 miles.
The volcano is already wreaking havoc and affecting daily life for residents. On Saturday, airports in Mexico City halted operations because of falling ash.
The city is in what is called a “yellow phase three” alert, which means “prepare for a possible evacuation.” If and when a red alert comes, it would mean mandatory evacuations for millions.
Residents call this volcano “El Popo.” It is over three miles in height, and ever since it woke up in 1994, it has been spewing ash and toxic fumes into the air. It is just 45 miles from Mexico City, and a team of scientists is monitoring it around the clock with six cameras that ring around the summit of the volcano, thermal imaging devices, and 12 seismological monitoring stations that operate 24/7.
Records of volcanic activity from Popocatepetl date back to the 14th century. On top of the destruction from lava and ash, volcanos like this cause seismic reaction that can be equally devastating. In 2017, El Popo eruptions triggered a 7.1 earthquake that killed over 400 people and caused over $8 billion in damage.
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