Mexican Volcano Roars Back to Life

S A N T I A G O  X A L I T Z I N T L A, Mexico, Dec. 19 -- — After days of rumbling, the volcano that towers over Mexico City today struck fear into the hearts of residents who refused to leave its slopes — by lighting up “like a Christmas tree,” and spewing red-hot rocks into the air.

The Popocatepetl volcano erupted in spectacular fashion Monday night, frightening even residents who disregarded authorities’ pleas to leave the area.

A red plume continued to spew from the mountain’s peak today,and authorities warned “El Popo” wasn’t done yet.

“At first it was pretty. It lit up like a Christmas tree,”said Tomas Jimenez, a corn farmer. “Then the fear hit.”

Fury of a Friend

In his 68 years in this village just 4 miles away, Jimenez said he has come to see “Don Goyito” or “El Popo” — as residents affectionately call the volcano — as a trusted companion.

But he had never seen such fury.

“It was a little frightening, because Don Goyito was reallyplaying,” he said.

Jimenez was one of only a handful of people to remain in theghostly, deserted streets of Santiago Xalitzintla early today.

Packs of dogs howled at the occasional army patrol or journalistpassing by, and the sky was awash in a red glow from the top of themountain.

Flaming Shower

Although the volcano began to belch ash on Friday, it wasn’tuntil Monday night that it began its spectacular shower ofincandescent rock.

“We got up on the roof and saw the rocks showering down. Istarted to get nervous,” said Cresencio Sandoval, a 55-year-oldfarmer. “If it continues, it might be the end of the road for usright here.”

Many of the 41,000 residents of the highest-risk zone who hadrefused to leave in more than 1,000 buses sent in by authoritiesdecided that finally, it was time to go.

“We aren’t so stupid as to stay here when it gets serious,”said Cecilio Sevilla, a 26-year-old baker bundled up in a roughblanket.