Volcano eruption

A volcano threatening the safety of millions of people continued to rumble with dramatic drone footage showing a plume of smoke and ash rising from its crater.

Popocatépetl, some 60 kilometres southwest of Mexico City, has been emitting ash and gas in several days of increased activity, prompting authorities to prepare surrounding areas for evacuation.

Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency said on Friday after having analysed the footage that no lava dome had been observed and that the activity was likely to continue the way it had in recent days. The agency added that ash emissions from the volcano would possibly reach further than had been observed in recent days.

The city of Puebla, 40 kilometres from the peak, has seen streets and buildings covered in a layer of volcanic ash, with authorities working to keep roads and drains clear.