Mexico: Popocatepetl Volcano Continues to Spews And Rumbles

Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano has been spewing gases and glowing rocks almost one mile beyond its crater amid fears of a major eruption.

Residents of the country's capital, Mexico City, have been hearing the volcano's now-constant rumblings, after authorities raised the alert level to five on a seven-point scale.

A statement from the National Centre of Disaster Prevention said: "(Popocatepetl registered) 62 expulsions of medium intensity, with the emission of water vapor, gas, ashes and glowing rocks (between Thursday night and Friday)."

A security radius has also been extended around the 5.452-metre (17,887ft) volcano but stopping short of starting evacuations from nearby communities.

Residents in the nearby town of Santiago Xalitzintla said the volcano was now constantly rumbling.

"There was a strong humming sound all night... it's roaring," said Alvaro Perez. Read More

My smallest son asked me 'Mum, are we leaving no?'. I told him that it was OK, but the truth is that we're very scared."

Sofia Lopez, Santiago Xalitzintla resident