Mexico's Popocatépetl Eruption Photos, Video: Ash And Smoke Released

A strong explosion in the Popocatépetl volcano in central Mexico late Monday spewed fresh smoke and ash into the air. Mexico’s civil protection agency Saturday issued a “yellow” alert for the area surrounding the volcano after some small eruptions were reported.

The country's civil protection released footage of the explosion urging residents to stay clear of the area within a 7.5 miles radius of the crater, warning that ash from the volcano will be dispersed toward the northeast area of Puebla. The volcano — located in southern states of Puebla and Morelos — witnessed an increase in activity over the last few weeks.

Popocatepetl, which literally translates from Aztecs as "smoking mountain," came back to life in 1994 after about 50 years of inactivity. Since then, the volcano has erupted at irregular intervals.