More seismic activity at Mexico volcano; authorities have evacuation routes, shelters ready

5/15/2013

MEXICO CITY — Seismic activity is continuing at the Popocatepetl volcano near Mexico City and authorities say they have readied shelters and identified evacuation routes in case they should be needed.

Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center says there were two explosions at the white-capped volcano between Tuesday night and this morning. The center says the volcano spewed a plume of steam about a mile into the sky.

Authorities continue to monitor the volcano's activity but have not ordered any evacuations. Rain has been forecast for the area, however, and authorities say towns nearby could be flooded with ash mud.

Popocatepetl has put out small eruptions of ash almost daily since a round of activity began in 1994. The eruptions started strengthening two weeks ago and increased even more this weekend.