They recommend evacuating 8 communities
PUEBLA, Pue.-before a possible increase in the activity of Popocatepetl, researchers of the University Center for the prevention of regional disasters (Cupreder) of the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma of Puebla (BUAP) recommended the evacuation of eight and not only three communities surrounding the Colossus.
Alejandra López García, researcher of the Cupreder, said that due to its proximity to the crater, the inhabitants of Santiago Xalitzintla, San Nicolás de los Ranchos, San Pedro Yancuitlalpan, San Pedro Benito Juárez, San Juan Ocotepec, Ocotepec agricultural colony, Magdalena Yancuitlalpan and Santa Catalina Cuilotepec should be moved to ensure their safety.
He added that such populations, located 11.2, 12, and 15 kilometers away - respectively - from the crater of the Popocatepetl, concentrated approximately 19 thousand 300 inhabitants, according to figures from the National Institute of statistics and geography (Inegi).
For his part, Aurelio Fernández, CEO of Cupreder, urged the authorities to improve emergency plans before an eventual increase in volcanic activity.
He pointed out that it is essential to define criteria for evacuation and strengthen information dissemination tasks in order to not confuse the phases of alarm status.
He mentioned that according to the most recent behavior, Popo=(Popocatépetl (Spanish [popoka'tepet͡ɬ] Nahuatl [popoːka'tepeːt͡ɬ]) is an active volcano located in the states of Puebla, State of Mexico, and Morelos) could generate flows pyroclastic, ballistic projectiles, or rivers of mud at distances of eight to 12 kilometers, therefore insisted on improving the operational plans.
