Residents Prepare to Evacuate as Mexico's Popocatepetl Volcano Spews Large Plumes of Ash

Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano continued to spew plumes of ash and smoke on Friday, May 26, as millions of residents prepared for a possible evacuation, according to local reports.

Approximately 25 million people who live within a 60 mile (97 km) radius of the peak have been urged not to approach the volcano as a yellow, phase-three warning remains in place for the eruption.

The country’s national defense said it was standing by to issue emergency alerts.

Mexico’s National Coordination of Civil Protection said it is possible that ash emissions will reach populations further away than what has already been observed.

This footage from the CNPC shows ash and smoke rising from the crater on Thursday, May 25. Credit: National Coordination of Civil Protection via Storyful

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