Over the past 20 years of monitoring by the Seismological-Volcanological Observatory of the University of Veracruz, an increase in micro-earthquakes with an epicenter in the area of Pico de Orizaba has been detected.
According to experts, this does not mean that it will erupt anytime soon. The institute is continuing studies at the volcano to understand its current status. This was reported by Carlos Manuel Welsh Rodríguez, Coordinator of the UV Earth Center.
From the most recent information or events at the volcano, we know that there has been a small increase in volcano-tectonic movement. We know that there have been small micro-earthquakes around the volcano, but that does not mean that it is in an imminent eruption phase.
The researcher from the Earth Center of the University of Veracruz recalled that the last time the Pico de Orizaba volcano erupted was approximately 400 years ago.
It is a living volcano, a dormant volcano, but not dead. It is a volcano that erupted thousands of years ago and can erupt again. It erupted 400 years ago and can erupt again.
Pico de Orizaba is a stratovolcano, so if it were to erupt, it would be of great magnitude. Therefore, the hazard maps must be updated. The Seismological-Volcanological Observatory is seeking funding to update them because the current one is 25 years old and requires the incorporation of new data.
Carlos Manuel Welsh Rodríguez, Coordinator of the UV Earth Center, comments that while the possibility of an eruption exists, but a date cannot be confirmed so far, it could happen tomorrow, in 20 years, even 50 years, and the risk is for the population and the ecosystem located in the areas near the volcano.
Pico de Orizaba is the highest mountain in Mexico at 5,636 meters above sea level and is also the source of five rivers that supply water to 25 municipalities in Veracruz.
The latest earthquakes recorded in Pico de Orizaba National Park, according to reports from the National Seismological Service of Mexico (SSN), occurred during the early morning hours of April 9, 2025.
The first, with a magnitude of 2.5, occurred at 00:46 minutes, 21 kilometers west of the municipality of Coscomatepec, while the second, with a magnitude of 3.7, was recorded at 03:09 minutes, 13 kilometers northwest of the town of Loma Grande, in the municipality of Mariano Escobedo. The latter is considered the strongest in the region since August 2025.
These earthquakes were reported and confirmed by the National Seismological Service through its website. These earthquakes were of lower intensity and were not perceptible, so they do not pose any risk to the population.
It is important to mention that since the beginning of August 2024, a total of 39 earthquakes have been recorded in the area to date (taking into account a 20 km radius from the summit of the volcano). It is also worth noting that the last eruptive period at Pico de Orizaba occurred in 1846.
Source: nmas
