Popocatepetl continues eruptions

Mexico's navy flew past the towering Popocatepetl volcano on Friday (July 05) as it spewed out heavy plumes of ash and smoke some 1500 metres (4,921 feet) high into the sky.

Active for more than a year, the latest analysis from Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Centre (CENAPRED) reported tremors and columns of ash and vapour over the last 24 hours at Popocatepetl.

Active for more than a year, Popocatepetl also put on a spectacular night-time display as it spewed incandescent rock from its massive crater.

The massive volcano is on yellow phase two alert, the second-highest warning on the centre's seven-step scale, and authorities have enforced a 12-km protection radius around the massive volcano's crater. Airlines have also grounded international fights from Mexico City's international airport as smoke and ash reached the sprawling capital.

With up to 50,000 residents across 24 towns at risk from volcanic gases and lava flow, authorities are keeping a close w