Mexico raises the alert level due to the increase in volcanic ash spewing out of the Popocatépetl volcano. The increase of activity in what is popularly known as the "Don Goyo" volcano caused the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) to raise the risk level to "Yellow Phase 3." The streets in Puebla are covered with volcanic ash and small streams of hot water started seeping out of the road from Puebla to Veracruz:
Hot water coming out of the Puebla Veracruz highway. It is very worrying. Let's hope they don't handle this by denying everything like in the pandemic.
Agua caliente saliendo de la carretera Puebla Veracruz. Está muy preocupante. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼Ojalá y no manejen esto negándolo todo como en la pandemia. pic.twitter.com/MelXZecASx
— Tere Vale (@TereValeMX) May 23, 2023
After the activity of the Popocatépetl volcano, this is what the streets of Atlixco, Puebla looked like on Monday.
Tras la actividad del volcán #Popocatépetl así la imagen en las calles de #Atlixco, #Puebla este lunes. pic.twitter.com/CYMQhzuNG4
— Agencia MANL (@ManlAgencia) May 23, 2023
The "Yellow Phase 3" level, which is the one before the maximum alert level, means that the volcano is starting to spew ash. It also means there are increased tremors and rapid dome formations.
According to the latest monitoring update of the #Popocatépetl, the @CNPC_MX reported that it has been possible to observe emanation with low ash content. The Scientific Advisory Committee recommends keeping the traffic light at Yellow Phase 3. At the moment, there is no ashfall in Mexico City. Stay informed and follow our recommendations. #PreventionIsOurStrength
De acuerdo con la última actualización del monitoreo del #Popocatépetl, la @CNPC_MX informó que se ha podido observar emanación con bajo contenido de ceniza.
El Comité Científico Asesor, recomienda mantener el semáforo en Amarillo Fase 3.
Al momento, no se presenta caída de… pic.twitter.com/FR533NvKo1
— Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y PC (@SGIRPC_CDMX) May 23, 2023
Puebla and Tlaxcala prepare for the possible eruption of Popocatépetl volcano
Due to the increased activity, states such as Puebla and Tlaxcala are preparing for the volcano to possibly erupt. Public agencies are also making plans to help these states. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) stated that it was "ready" to deal with possible power outages in Puebla and Tlaxcala.
To that end, the CFE stated in a tweet that it is continuously monitoring volcanic activity; identifying the areas most likely to be affected if the volcano erupts; locating temporary shelters to house those affected; organizing Strategic Operation Centers to make decisions if power outages occur; and, identifying users whose service is critical to the community such as hospitals, gas stations, communication antennas or pumping systems. These buildings will be a priority when it comes to securing electricity.
#CFEInforms CFE is ready to attend to possible power supply problems in the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala, due to the volcanic activity of the Popocatépetl volcano.
#CFEInforma | La CFE lista para atender posibles afectaciones al suministro eléctrico en los estados de Puebla y Tlaxcala, ante la actividad volcánica del Popocatépetl. https://t.co/huDDXegX9g pic.twitter.com/9FqEwvgQZ9
— CFEmx (@CFEmx) May 23, 2023
Flights have also been affected. All flights were grounded at the Hermanos Serdán International Airport this Monday, May 22. Flights won't be able to take off until further notice. People have been asked to keep up to date on news about the Popocatépetl volcano. The country is on alert to see whether CENAPRED decides to activate the "Red" alert level:
