Popocatépetl volcano records two quakes, alert raised to Yellow Phase 2

On July 31, the Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico experienced two shallow tectonic earthquakes, measured at magnitudes 1.4 and 1.3 at 10:13 a.m. local time. The Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (Cenapred) also noted six low‑intensity steam and gas exhalations and a ten‑minute tremor of very low amplitude.

Following the activity, Cenapred, together with the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC), upgraded the volcano’s alert level to Yellow Phase 2. Authorities warned of possible minor explosions, steam plumes, light ash fall, fragment ejection within a 12‑km exclusion radius, lahars during rain, and limited pyroclastic flows. Residents were urged not to climb the volcano, to respect the 12‑km exclusion zone, and to stay clear of ravines if heavy rain occurs.