MEXICO CITY (December 21, 2000) – Several Evangelical Covenant churches could be adversely affected if the eruption of the volcano Popocatepetl increases in intensity, as some are predicting, Covenant News Service has learned.
The volcano, located about 40 miles east of here, has been erupting over the last four days. An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 individuals have been evacuated from villages located on the mountain and surrounding its base, sources indicate.
“There is concern that Popocatepetl could have an explosive eruption comparable to that of Mount Saint Helen in 1980,” said Covenant missionary Wendy Mark. “There are several Covenant churches within the area that would probably be affected by the direction of such an eruption.” Mark said no Covenant missionaries are presently considered to be in danger, but that the situation is being monitored closely.
The volcano first showed signs of renewed activity in 1994, with a five-mile-high plume of smoke and minor tremors. “At this point, there is no certainty about what will take place,” Mark said, noting that scientists are assuring the public that there should be ample warning signs to allow for appropriate evacuations before a major blast occurs.
Areas of particular concern include Cuautla, Yautepec and Oaxtepec, all towns in the state of Morelos. Mark said that the states of Mexico, Morelos and Puebla are on Red Alert. “We appreciate your prayers as we wait to see how this event unfolds,” Mark said.
David and Wendy Mark are regional coordinators for Latin America for the Department of World Mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.