Strong eruption with ash emissions at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico

According to CENAPRED a strong eruption at 18:23 UTC on June 17, 2013 generated an ash column over 4 km in height over Mexican Popocatepetl volcano. Incandescent fragments were released up to 2 km from the crater, and because of their high temperature caused small fires in the grasslands.

Images showing a strong eruption at Popocatepetl volcano at 18:25 and 18:26 UTC on June 17, 2013 (Credit: CENAPRED)

On June 18, 2013 CENAPRED received reports of ashfall in Tetela del Volcán, Ocuituco, Yecapixtla, Atlatlahucan, Cuautla, Tlayacapan, Yautepec, Jiutepec y Xochitepec in state of Morelos. Ashfall was also reported in Ecatzingo, Atlautla y Ozumba in state of México.

In addition to this event, there were also 144 exhalations of low and moderate intensity in the last 24 h, which were accompanied by the emission of steam, gas and ash occasionally.

The most important events of this volcanic episode happened on June 17, 2013 at 21:25 and 22:06 UTC, and on June 18 at 03:40, 09:50, and 12:02 UTC (see images below).

Eruptions at Popocatepetl volcano at 21:25 and 22:06 UTC on June 17, 2013 (Credit: ALTZOMONI,CENAPRED)

The eruption column predominantly moved in the western-southwestern direction. Throughout the night of June 18 there was no clear view of the volcano. CENAPRED reports a slight emission of steam and gas that is directed to the southwest, observed at 15:55 UTC today (image below).

Steam and gas emission at Popocatepetl on June 18, 2013 at 15:55 UTC (Credit: ALTZOMONI,CENAPRED)

Volcanic Alert semaphore remains at Yellow Phase 2. 

Emphasis is placed on the following recommendations: 1. Continue the safety radius 12 km, so that staying in that area is not allowed. 2. Keep Xalitzintla controlled traffic between Santiago and San Pedro Nexapa, via Paso de Cortes. 3. A Civil Protection authorities, maintain preventive procedures, according to their operational plans. 4. A people, being attentive to the official information is disseminated. Popocatepetl Volcano monitoring is performed continuously 24 hours. Any change in activity will be reported in due course.

Here is an amazing video of the latest eruption at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico:

Source: CENAPRED

Featured image: A strong eruption at Popocatepetl volcano at 18:26 UTC on June 17, 2013 (Credit: CENAPRED)