Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano erupts in fiery show, covering city of Puebla in ash

Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano erupted early on 18 April, in a fiery show of smoke, ash and lava flows. The dramatic eruption, which started at about 2.30am local time, spewed ash over the nearby city of Puebla, causing the local airport to close.

According to authorities, the ash cloud rose nearly two miles over the crater. A yellow alert has been declared for the area and authorities are encouraging residents to take preventative measures, such as wearing masks to avoid inhaling the fine grit that has covered houses and cars.

There have been a series of rumblings at the massive volcano in recent months, with the most recent large eruption occurring on 3 April, but Popocatepetl has been active since the mid-1990s. About 25 million people live within 62 miles of the crater of the 17,797ft stratovolcano. Mexico contains over 3,000 volcanoes but only 14 are considered active.