Popocatépetl eruption blankets Mexico City with ash, triggers alerts

The Popocatépetl volcano entered a heightened activity phase in the early hours of 24 June 2026, producing a tremor episode, consecutive low‑magnitude explosions and an ash plume that rose about 1.5 km above the crater. Authorities kept the volcano alert at Yellow Phase 2 and warned that ash could drift westward toward the State of Mexico, Morelos and Mexico City.

In Mexico City, ashfall concentrated on the southern boroughs of Tlalpan, Xochimilco and Milpa Alta, where wind patterns carried the plume. Health officials mandated N95 masks outdoors, distributed 50,000 free masks and advised residents to use bottled water due to possible contamination from rain‑mixed ash. Schools in the affected zones were closed, and public transport routes—including parts of Metro Line 12 and Metrobús—were reduced or rerouted. Local businesses, especially canal‑tour operators in Xochimilco, reported significant losses.

The federal disaster agency deployed 200 emergency response teams to clear roads and reinforce power grids, though some hospitals reported delayed delivery of air‑filtration units. Residents were urged to stay away from the volcano’s safety perimeter and follow official updates.