Ash from Popocatepetl Volcano Falls on Mexican Capital, Nearby Areas

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Ash from the Popocatepetl volcano fell Monday on eight Mexico City boroughs and six municipalities in neighboring Mexico state, covering streets and roofs, the Cenapred national disaster management agency said.

Popocatepetl, located 85 kilometers (52 miles) southeast of Mexico City, began emitting steam, gas and ash on Sunday afternoon, with the emissions continuing into the early hours of Monday, the agency said in a bulletin.

Ash was reported on the ground and on buildings in the Mexico City boroughs of Milpa Alta, Xochimilco, Tlalpan, Cuajimalpa, Magdalena Contreras, Alvaro Obregon, Tlahuac and Iztapalapa.

Six cities – Ozumba, Atlautla, Tlalmanalco, Ecatzingo, Tepetlixpa and Amecameca – in Mexico state, which surrounds the Federal District and forms part of the Mexico City metropolitan area, also reported ash from the volcano.

The national disaster management agency extended the volcanic alert for the region, warning residents to be prepared for an eventual evacuation.

In areas where ash is falling, there could be precipitation of incandescent fragments, steam and gas fumes, and mudslides, the Cenapred said.

The agency recommended that residents of areas affected by ash cover their noses and mouths with wet bandanas or wear masks, close windows and remain indoors as much as possible, rinsing their eyes and throats with clean water.

About 25 million people live less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Popocateptl, which is located where the states of Mexico, Puebla and Morelos meet.

Popocatepetl, which rises 5,452 meters (17,875 feet) above sea level, is one of the world’s most monitored volcanoes because of its recurring activity over the past 22 years.