Mexico fears volcanic eruption

Mexico's famed Popocatepetl volcano spews smoke and ash.

Officials worried about a potentially devestating eruption are considering the possibility of evacuating nearby towns and villages.

Mexico's National Centre for Disaster Protection has raised the alert for Popocatepetl to the third highest level on its seven-step scale.

Authorities are visiting local towns to explain potential evacuation procedures.

The volcano, whose name means "smoking mountain", lies just southeast of Mexico City.

Its last major eruption was in 2000 that forced 40,000 people to evacuate their homes.

Sarah Sheffer, Reuters