Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano erupted early Thursday morning, Jan. 9, with a dramatic show of lava and rocks spewing from the crater rim and a column of smoke and ash rising into the sky.
According to reports, the explosion occurred at 06:33 a.m. local time and a massive column of gas and ash was sent 9842 feet (3,000 meters) above the volcano’s crater.
Mexican Civil Defense reported yellow volcanic alert and exhorted the people do not to be close to the foothills of the volcano.
Popocatepetl is 17,802 feet (5,426 meters) tall and is the second-highest mountain in Mexico and the fifth-highest in North America.
El Popo, as it is affectionately known locally, is one of Mexico’s most active volcanos.
