MEXICO CITY – Due to falling ash from the Popocatépetl volcano, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) recommended that people protect their nose and mouth with a damp cloths or clean surgical masks, and to rinse their eyes and throat with water.
In an infographic posted on their Twitter account, @PcSegob, the agency also suggested wearing glasses in order to reduce eye irritation from contact with the ash particulates.
Among safety measures for the population living in areas near the Popocatépetl, located 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the Mexican capital, Sinaproc suggested covering water tanks and other water supplies, so they do not become tainted; to cover patio drains and roof gutters to prevent clogging; and also to cover appliances, equipment and cars, to protect them from being damaged.
Luis Felipe Puente, the National Coordinator for Civil Protection at the Interior Secretariat (Segob) posted a video of Popocatépetl to his official Twitter account:
Les comparto el video de la actividad del #Popocatépetl esta madrugada #30AñosProtecciónCivil pic.twitter.com/jyf6b7xzKk
— Luis Felipe Puente (@LUISFELIPE_P) April 18, 2016
In the case of tin roofs, cardboard, plywood, canvas and similar materials, it is recommended to continuously remove the ashes to prevent accumulation.
Currently Popocatépetl is placed in yellow alert, during which there is increased activity and various phenomena such as the light ash-fall present in nearby areas.
Plumes of water vapor and gas were observed, as well as expulsion of incandescent fragments. There is a possibility of pyroclastic flows and explosions, short-range debris and mud flow, said Segob.
As part of preventive measures because the falling ash, the Puebla Public Education Secretariat (SEP) recommended not to participate in outdoor activities.
Popocatéptl is the country’s most active volcano. Its last major eruption occurred in 1947, although a minor eruption of ash and incandescent material was observed April 3, and exhalations of plumes are becoming a regular occurrence.
THE NEWS/JMR