The National Coordinator of Civil Protection (CNPC), Laura Velázquez Alzúa, announced that, following the recommendation of the Scientific Advisory Committee (CCA) for the Popocatépetl volcano, the decision has been made to return to the Yellow Level Phase 2 in the volcanic alert.
In a statement issued by the CNPC, it is indicated that this decision is based on the analysis and diagnosis of recent activity and the expected short-term scenarios. The continuous monitoring of the activity and its evolution will be carried out by Cenapred and the corresponding committee.
According to the CNPC, “the observations of the last few days show a slight decrease in some parameters of the activity. Low-content ash emissions and ejection of incandescent fragments in smaller quantities have been recorded, associated with sporadic episodes of low- to moderate-amplitude tremors, as well as minor explosions. Also, the frequency and intensity of exhalations, as well as the number of volcanotectonic earthquakes recorded, have shown a slight decrease.”
According to the CCA, it is possible that “activity characterized by tremors of high and/or low frequency and variable amplitude is observed, as well as some explosions of moderate or smaller size, ash emissions and the ejection of incandescent fragments within the 12 km exclusion radius. You could also expect the formation of lahars (mudflows) that descend the ravines due to the accumulation of ash on the slopes and the rains expected in the coming weeks. “
Velázquez Alzúa stressed that, since May 21, the government of Mexico and the authorities of the states of Puebla, State of Mexico, Morelos, Tlaxcala and Mexico City have been taking preparedness measures in response to the increase in the level of the Volcanic Alert Traffic Light. These actions have been useful in reducing the vulnerability of the population, promoting self-protection and anticipating volcanic risks.