Popocatepetl volcano spews ash over central Mexico state

MEXICO CITY – The Popocatepetl volcano has spewed a dense cloud of ash over the central Mexico state of Puebla, with ash falling to the ground in several towns.

Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center says ash was blown about 400 yards (meters) into the air above the volcano, located east of Mexico City. Prevailing winds carried the material northeast, away from Mexico City.

The center said ash falls had been confirmed in Huejotzingo, near the city of Puebla, which is capital of the state of the same name.

The 17,886-foot (5,450-meter) volcano periodically emits bursts of ash, vapor and sometimes glowing rock.