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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

Popocatepetl is an active volcano located in the states of Puebla, Mexico, and Morelos, in Central Mexico, and lies in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. At 17,802 ft it is the second highest peak in Mexico, after the Pico de Orizaba at 18,491 ft.

Popocatepetl spewed out clouds of ash and fiery rock lastweek,closing a local airport on Saturday and frightening nearby villagers which were already on edge after weeks of increased activity.

Rediff.com brings you a few scintillating pictures of the Popocatepetl.

Smoke rises from Mexico's volcano Popocatepetl in Puebla. The volcano is located 125 km east of Mexico City.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

An aerial view of the Popocatepetl volcano spewing a cloud of ash and steam in Santiago Xalizintla, on the outskirts of Puebla, is seen in this handout photo.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

A kite flies near the Popocatepetl volcano in Puebla.

Experts have noted increased activity in the volcano in 2012. It has spewed smoke and ash sporadically over the last few years and a major eruption in 2000 forced the evacuation of nearly 50,000 residents in three states surrounding the peak.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

An indigenous woman walks next to an ambulance covered with ash in Santiago Xalitzintla, 6 miles from the volcano Popocatepetl.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

A dog sleeps on a floor covered with ash in Santiago Xalitzintla, 6 miles from the volcano Popocatepetl.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

A boy wears a surgical mask while walking in Santiago Xalitzintla, 10 kilometres from Popocatepetl.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

An indigenous woman walks on a floor covered with ash in Santiago Xalitzintla, 10 kilometres from Popocatepetl.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

An aerial view of the Popocatepetl volcano spewing a cloud of ash and steam in Santiago Xalizintla, on the outskirts of Puebla, is seen in this handout photo.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

A 17 minute long exposure picture shows star trails behind Mexico's Popocateptl volcano as it releases steam in Puebla.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

Pupils, some of them wearing surgical masks, attend a class in San Nicolas de los Ranchos on the outskirts of Puebla.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

Residents walk as the Popocatepetl volcano spews a cloud of ash and steam high into the air, near the town of Santiago Xalizintla, on the outskirts of Puebla.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

The Popocatepetl volcano spews a cloud of ash and steam high into the air as a helicopter flies in the area in Puebla.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

A man wears a surgical mask while holding flowers in Santiago Xalitzintla, 10 kilometres from the volcano Popocatepetl.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

Two woman wear a surgical masks while walking in Santiago Xalitzintla, 9.6 km from Popocatepetl.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

Smoke rises from the Popocatepetl volcano, as a forest fire burns, unrelated to the recent activities of the volcano, in Puebla.

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In PHOTOS: Mexico's simmering volcano

Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

A couple embraces as the Popocatepetl volcano spews a cloud of ash and steam high into the air as seen from Puebla, 100 km east of Mexico City.

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Last updated on: May 16, 2012 09:01 IST

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