Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano has rumbled continuously and spewed gases and glowing rocks to almost one mile (one kilometer) beyond its crater, authorities said Friday. Popocatepetl is located about 34 miles (55 kilometers) east of the capital, Mexico City. More than 30 million people live within sight of the volcano. In an increase of activity the volcano registered "62 expulsions of medium intensity, with the emission of water vapor, gas, ashes and glowing rocks," between Thursday night and Friday, said a statement from the National Center of Disaster Prevention. Authorities raised the alert level Monday to five on a seven-point scale, extending a security radius around the 5.452-meter (17887-feet) volcano but stopping short of starting evacuations from nearby communities. Concerns are growing that should a larger eruption occur huge quantities of ash could be dumped on one of the world's largest metropolitan areas, potentially causing chaos for Mexico City's busy air traf! fic. Residents in the nearby town of Santiago Xalitzintla said the volcano was now constantly rumbling. "There was a strong humming sound all night... it's roaring," said Alvaro Perez. Another resident said her family was scared of what might happen next. "My smallest son, who is four years old, was woken up by the roar during the night," said Sofia Lopez. "'Mum, are we leaving now?' he asked me. I told him that it was OK, but the truth is that we're very scared." NOAA's Geostationary Operational
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