(Image source: Wikimedia Commons )

 

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

 

One of the world’s most-active volcanoes is threatening one of the world’s most-populated areas. Mexico’s Popocatépetl, whose name means “the smoking mountain,” began ratcheting up its activity last week. Fox News reports — it could threaten millions of Mexicans.

 

“The volcano less than 40 miles southeast of Mexico’s densely-populated capital, Mexico City. Some 30 million people reportedly live around the crater’s base.”

 

Thousands had to evacuate the last time the volcano had a major eruption in 2000. KABC reports , a series of small explosions from the volcano have authorities worried about a repeat.

 

“It’s been spewing gases and glowing rock up to a mile away, a sign that it could erupt at any moment. Evacuations have not been ordered, but authorities have prepared routes, ambulances and shelters just in case.”

 

People are being asked to stay at least 12 kilometers away from the crater to avoid chunks of semi-molten rock called volcanic bombs.

 

NASA satellites captured one of the mini-eruptions, with the ash cloud heading straight toward the city of Puebla. The city’s residents have been warned to wear masks to keep from breathing in the ash, and to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

 

If there is a major eruption, scientists say the worst threats will be mudflows and avalanches. This 2001 risk map from the University of Buffalo shows the areas likely to be hardest hit.

 

But even if there’s no big eruption, these smaller explosions still pose a threat. The volcano’s activities could last weeks or even months. The BBC reports , that much ash is a real problem.

 

“There are worries the gritty ash could have consequences for Mexico City’s busy airport, as well as crops and car engines.”

 

Residents say the volcano’s rumblings sound like the roar of the ocean. Mexican scientists recorded 12 explosions in the space of just two hours on Friday.