Mexico's Popocatepetl erupts

ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION

Breathtaking images as Mexico's navy fly towards the mighty Popocatepetl volcano on Wednesday (July 10) as plumes of smoke and ash billow out of its massive crater.

The volcano is located 80 km (50 miles) to the southeast of the capital and concerns arose when Mexico's National Centre for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) reported some activity brewing from its roaring crater.

Steam, gas and ash reaching up to two km (1.2 miles) high into the sky which led officials to issue a statement warning that a change in activity of the 5,450-metre (17,900-foot) volcano could provoke big explosions capable of sending incandescent fragments out over considerable distances.

The Mexican authorities are keeping a close watch over the ancient volcano of Popocatepetl which is surrounded by some 50,000 residents across 24 towns.