The head of the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC), Laura Velázquez Alzúa, led a supervisory tour of the municipalities from Pichucalco to Chapultenango, in the state of Chiapas, as part of the ongoing monitoring of the El Chichonal volcano and the preventive actions outlined in the Volcanic Alert System.
During the tour, the official held a working meeting with Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar and the mayors of the region to reinforce safety protocols, review evacuation routes and temporary shelters, and strengthen inter-institutional coordination in the event of any changes in the volcano’s activity.
The Scientific Advisory Committee determined to maintain the Volcanic Alert System at Yellow Phase 1, as the volcano is exhibiting activity slightly above normal levels.
In this phase, slight increases in seismicity, the appearance of new fumaroles, or variations in temperature and gas composition may be observed.
The head of the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) emphasized that the public should not enter the crater or approach the immediate area, maintaining a minimum safety radius of one kilometer to avoid unnecessary risks.
Among the actions implemented by the CNPC and the Government of Chiapas are:
Updating 13 evacuation routes and 6 designated endpoints in the municipalities of Ostuacán, Tecpatán, Sunuapa, Pichucalco, Ixtacomitán, and Chapultenango.
Verification of 22 temporary shelters ready for activation in case of emergency.
Development of the El Chichonal Volcano Operational Plan, with the participation of authorities from all three levels of government.
Inspection of the crater using drones and technical overflights to monitor activity.
Establishment of a Command Post in Chapultenango, under the Incident Command System, with the presence of federal, state, and municipal authorities. Permanent session of the Scientific Advisory Committee, which analyzes seismological and thermal data in real time.
Volcanic Alert System: levels and recommendations
The Volcanic Alert System indicates the level of volcanic activity and the measures to take:
Green (Phases 1 and 2): normal or slight activity; ideal time to review emergency plans and evacuation routes.
Yellow (Phases 1 and 2): increased activity; the public should remain attentive to official announcements.
Red (Phases 1 to 3): eruptive activity; implies direct risk and possible evacuation.
Currently, authorities are maintaining constant monitoring and assure that there is no immediate risk to communities, but they insist on following official instructions and avoiding rumors or misinformation.
Commitment to Prevention and Safety
Laura Velázquez Alzúa reaffirmed the Mexican government’s commitment to the safety of Chiapas families, emphasizing that prevention and coordination among authorities are key to reducing risks from natural disasters.
“The joint work between Civil Protection, federal forces, the Chiapas government, and the municipalities guarantees a timely response to any eventuality,” she stressed.
Do not approach the crater or surrounding areas.
Stay informed through official channels.
Identify evacuation routes and temporary shelters.
Have an emergency kit ready with documents, water, and a flashlight.
Avoid sharing rumors or unverified information.
Source: tusbuenasnoticias
