OCHA Situation Report No. 4
Mexico - Volcano
Popocatepetl - Volcanic activity
26 December 2000



(source: www.bbc.co.uk)

1.  The Popocatepetl volcano grumbled again on Monday 25 December spewing
tall plumes of ash, vapor and gas and causing several small earthquakes.
Though the situation was not considered preoccupying by national experts
from CENAPRED (National Center for Disaster Prevention), scientists
however warned of possible further eruptions.

2.  The Mexican authorities have therefore declared that the alert stage
stays at Yellow, Phase III, and that the danger zones remains within 13
kms of the volcano. The Government keeps 64 shelters opened and confirms
that a spare 900 tons of food is available to feed evacuees for a month.

3.  The Government is looking into the possibility of setting up a
resettlement program for families normally living within 7 km from the
crater.


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


distributed by
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Volunteers in Technical Assistance
Disaster Information Center             lists: www.vita.org/listsub.htm
                                                     sitreps    nat-dsr
      web: www.vita.org                              fireline
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

: 01/04/01 EST