Mexican Volcano Threatens Eruption

Mexican officials reported on Wednesday that a new lava dome had formed on Popocatepetl Volcano, causing fears that a major eruption could soon occur.

Carlos Navarette, of the National Disaster Prevention Center, said the explosion could equal that of one that shook the region in 1994, when the 17,259-foot volcano roared to life after a 67-year dormancy.

The current level of alert around the mountain is not expected to be raised, and Navarette stressed there was no immediate danger to the thousands of residents living near Popocatepetl, located 37 miles from Mexico City. The closest community is located less than 5 miles from the ice-capped dome.