Mexico: Colima Volcano erupts twice spewing ash into air

The Colima Volcano erupted twice on 20 August, spewing ash and smoke more than 3km into the air. Located in the south-western Mexican state of Colima, the Fire Volcano's first eruption occurred at 8am local time and the second at 9.20am.

The volcano has been exhibiting activity since 9 July. Over the past month, nearby villages have been blanketed with thick coats of ash, prompting evacuations. The volcano was previously active in January and February and is part of the Pacific's Ring of Fire.

Only 14 of Mexico's 3,000 volcanoes are considered to be active. Major eruptions have included the 1953 eruption of the Paricutin Volcano in Michoacan, the 1982 eruption of Tacana Volcano in Chiapas and the 1986 eruption of the Colima Volcano.

Since the 16th century, the Colima Volcano has erupted more than 40 times and local authorities have an emergency plan that includes continuous observation of the volcano and mandatory evacuations, if needed.