Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano expels 5 km ash cloud in violent explosion

November 20, 2011 – MEXICO CITY - Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano spewed a burst of ash 3 miles (5 kilometers) into the air after magma broke through a dome of lava. Mexico’s National Disaster Prevention Center says Sunday’s explosion continues a series of moderate eruptions from the 17,886-foot (5,450-meter) volcano 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of the Mexican capital. The Disaster center says the volcano has been emitting small but steady streams of steam and gas since Friday. Mexico City Civil Protection Director Elias Moreno told Foro Television that there were no reports of danger or of ash falling on nearby communities. Popocatepetl has been erupting intermittently since December 1994.

Contribution Amy P