Mexico braced for eruption

Experts fear Popocatepetl is about to burst back into life

Authorities in Mexico have declared a state of emergency and are preparing to evacuate 15,000 people living in the vicinity of Popocatepetl, a volcano 60km (37 miles) east of Mexico City.

Steam and burning ash have been rising from the volcano since Thursday and vulcanologists fear a more serious eruption is imminent.

We can expect an explosive condition

Aurelio Fernández
Vulcanologist

They say the volcano appears to be forming a bulge near the summit, indicating a build-up of pressure from the inside.

"It appears that a new dome is being formed, which could obstruct the channels through which energy is released. We can expect an explosive condition," warns vulcanologist Aurelio Fernández.

Potted Popocatapetl

Height: 5,230m

Dormant: 67 years

Last eruption: 1996

Closest village: 8km

Evacuees: 15,000

60km to Mexico City

15 eruptions since 1519

Popocatepetl was dormant for 67 years until coming back to life in 1996. The closest village is barely 8km (five miles) from the ice-capped crater of the 5,230-metre (17,259-foot) volcano.

"We are ready to order an evacuation and this could take place within the next few hours," said a civil protection agency spokesman on Friday.

Evacuation plans

A total of 367 buses have been sent to the nine most threatened communities, and schools and other public buildings are being prepared to serve as shelters.

The army is assisting with preparations

Although an initial evacuation would affect 15,000 people, many more could be seriously affected in the event of a severe eruption.

In the immediate vicinity, some local people have been wearing medical masks over their mouths to prevent them inhaling the ash.

"We don't know if we should wait for the news to see if we should leave or if we should just go," said Luis Perez Rodriguez, from Tetela del Volcan, a small village near the base of the volcano.