OCHA Situation Report No. 3
Mexico - Volcano
Popocatepetl - Volcanic activity
21 December 2000



(source: www.bbc.co.uk)

Summary of recent activities

1.  After spewing hot rocks and ash on 18 and 19 December 2000 in the
biggest eruption in 75 years, the Popocatepetl appears to be calming down.
Technical officials state that in spite of the strong explosions, there
seems to be no risk of mudslides.

2.  However, the Government emphasizes that people should stay alert since
the risk has not diminished. The danger zone has been extended to 13 km,
and the alert stage stays at Yellow, Phase III.

3.  So far more than 41,000 people have been evacuated. Out of 180
shelters available, 64 are being used.  According to the Secretary of
Public Education, a total of 130 schools in the states of Mexico, Morelos
and Puebla have been prepared to serve as shelters (41 are currently in
use).


Request for international assistance

4. The Government has not requested international assistance.

5.  OCHA is monitoring the situation in close cooperation with the UN
Resident Coordinator's Office in Mexico City.

6.  This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies
are also available on the OCHA website at http://www.reliefweb.int


Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers: Mr. Erik Haegglund / Mr. Carlos Pereira / Ms. Masayo Kondo
Direct tel: +41-22-917 32 99/13 83/19 97

Press contact:
  (in GVA) Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53


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: 01/04/01 EST