Seismic activities of Mexico's "Popo" volcano resulted in increased anxiety levels among locals

In Mexico, Miguel Angel Atenco tries?to disregard the seismic activity, ash precipitation, and nocturnal pyrotechnic displays emanating from the towering volcano overlooking his town and continues to conduct his customary taco vending business.

Similar to the experiences of other individuals residing in the vicinity of Popocatepetl, situated approximately 70 kilometers (roughly 45 miles) to the southeast of Mexico City, he has grown accustomed to the volcano's intermittent outbursts.

Atenco, who resides in the ash-laden locality of San Nicolas de los Ranchos situated at the base of the active volcano "El Popo," stated to AFP that they persist in their work while anticipating the actions of the volcano.

It is necessary to engage in cleaning activities. The individual expressed the need to engage in strenuous activities while highlighting the pervasive uncleanliness of their surroundings. This was conveyed subsequently to their repeated efforts to clear the ash from the pavement in front of their commercial establishment.?

Since Friday, the volcano,?colloquially referred to as "Don Goyo," has caused significant concern due to multiple explosive events and frequent ash, gases, and magma releases.?

The heightened activity level resulted in the cancellation of numerous flights during the weekend from Mexico City.

Temporary shelters have been established in the vicinity of Popocatepetl as a precautionary measure in the event of a potential escalation of the situation. Additionally, military personnel have been dispatched to the area and are currently engaged in the task of clearing ash from the streets.

Popocatepetl, the second-highest volcano in Mexico, has a population of approximately 25 million individuals residing within a 100-kilometer radius. The volcano stands at an elevation of nearly 5,500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level.

The authorities elevated their warning level on Sunday to a level just below the red alert. In the event that the red alert is issued, thousands of individuals residing near the volcano, known as the "smoking mountain" in the indigenous Nahuatl language, such as Atenco, would be required to evacuate.?

'Capricious activity'

The term 'capricious activity' refers to unpredictable or erratic behavior.

As per the analysis of expert Juan Manuel Espindola, the recent volcanic eruptions have not exhibited any significant deviation from the previous instances observed since its reactivation in 1994, despite causing apprehension among the residents.

According to a researcher from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Popocatepetl experienced comparable occurrences in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, the present phase has the potential to progress in a more dangerous direction.

In 1997, a significant surge of activity resulted in the deposition of copious amounts of ash over various regions of Mexico City. This phenomenon poses a potential health hazard, as it can lead to respiratory ailments and obstruct drainage systems.

Professionals are continuously observing seismic movements in the vicinity of the volcano, along with the chemical composition of the substances and emissions it discharges, in an attempt to anticipate a potentially significant volcanic eruption.

According to Espindola, the activity of volcanoes can be unpredictable.

On Wednesday, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador endeavored to assuage public apprehensions by advising individuals to avoid becoming agitated.

The speaker noted that the volcanic activity of 'Don Goyo' appears to be subsiding, albeit with ongoing ash emissions.

The authorities have advised the populace to maintain a distance of 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Popocatepetl and wear protective face masks because of the ash fall.

According to Raymundo Mena, a local church volunteer, a number of inhabitants residing in the vicinity of Popocatepetl departed from their homes during the weekend due to the seismic activity caused by the volcano.

Having resided in the vicinity of the volcano for a considerable duration of time, the individual endeavors to maintain composure, notwithstanding the recent occurrence of seismic activity that has caused perceptible vibrations even on the rooftops.

The speaker expressed a lack of fear.?

"We're not going to be scared," he said.