Popocatépetl, whose name means "smoking mountain" in Nahuatl, is one of Mexico's most active volcanoes. Located between the states of Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico, it has been in intermittent eruption since its reactivation in 1994.
Popocatépetl has shown several periods of increased activity, including explosive eruptions with ejections of ash, gases, and volcanic rock. Volcanic ash can affect air quality hundreds of kilometers away, impacting visibility, respiratory health, and air operations.
Although the risk of a catastrophic eruption is low to medium-term, it is important that residents and authorities maintain continuous monitoring. UNAM's Institute of Geophysics operates a network of seismic sensors around the volcano to detect changes in activity.
For nearby residents, stay informed through the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED). Having N95 masks at home and a plan to protect yourself from volcanic ash is prudent in areas near the volcano.