By LISA J. ADAMS,
Associated Press Writer
MEXICO CITY
(AP) - Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano was mostly quiet on Friday,
although scientists warned that the lack of activity could just
be the volcano preparing for another major eruption.
The mountain
began spewing a fiery mixture of rock and ash late Monday in its
strongest eruption in 1,200 years. It has since settled into quiet
sleep, sending up two large plumes of ash Thursday night, followed
by a series of tremors early Friday.
Scientists
have warned that energy is still building inside the 17,886-foot
mountain in a possible precursor to more activity.
Saying another
strong eruption is likely in the next day, they have urged the
40,000 people who live within eight miles of the mountain to stay
away.
Although the
volcano has returned to the occasional puffs of smoke it has been
sending up for the past six years, residents were still fearful
after this week's spectacular display of red-hot rock and ash.
Most were staying put in shelters, and planned to remain through
Christmas.
Before Monday's
eruption, many residents had ignored pleas to evacuate, fearing
looters would steal their belongings.
Soldiers sent
in to guard houses during the last evacuation in December 1994
often ended up robbing them. The last evacuation also seemed frivolous
to many because the volcano, which had just become active again
after a nearly 70-year slumber, produced little activity.
|
