MEXICO. – Today, there were new reports of more activity in the Popocatepetl volcano, where there was a new eruptive explosion that threw a column of ash more than three kilometers above the crater and burning rock fragments that traveled more than 1.5 kilometers on its side.

In a statement issued at dawn by the Disaster Prevention Center of Mexico (Cenapred in Spanish) noted that the explosive event occurred at 01.46 local time (06.46 GMT).

This volcano- about 55 kilometers southeast of Mexico City-is located in central Mexico near the limits of the states of Morelos, Puebla and the state of Mexico.

In today's explosion, it also generated a column of ash that was more than 3 kilometers high which the winds dispersed towards the northeast, said Cenapred, and at the same time keeping the alert level of the volcano in "yellow: Stage 3", which was set prior to the evacuation of nearby towns.

These explosions are part of the beginning of the process of destruction of a lava dome about 350 feet in diameter and about 50 inches thick that has formed in the center of the crater. The dome is a plug of solidified lava that is stopping the output of magma that raises the internal pressure and generates explosive events in the crater of the volcano, according to experts.

Mexican authorities have put about 700 soldiers on alert who are responsible for the evacuation of between 11,000 and 12,000 residents of the area, whom would all be transferred to two shelters in case the alert level reaches to "red: Stage one."

With an altitude of 5,452 meters above sea level, the Popocatepetl is the second highest mountain in Mexico and one of the fourteen active volcanoes in the country.

The Popocatepetl is monitored 24 hours a day so that "any significant change in the activity of the volcano will be notified in good time," said the Cenapred.

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Omar.Martinez@Sandiegored.com