Mexico’s National Center for Prevention of Disasters reported that the explosion in Popocatepetl caused earthquake that lasted 44 minutes and vented gas and dust 34 times. Authorities told citizens to stay away from the volcano to avoid stones and pebbles repelled. Residents living nearby were also warned about mud flow that ash fall and rain may cause.

Popocatepetl, meaning “the Smoking Mountain” in Aztec, is the second biggest volcano in North America thanks to its 5,452 meters length, 900 meters wide crater width and 150 meters long depth. It’s twin volcano, Iztaccihuatl, is located 16 kilometers above Popocatepetl.