Volcano erupted near Mexico City

Mexico's Popocatepetl Volcano staged two moderate eruptions, sending ashes falling down on the country's capital of Mexico City.

The moderate eruptions sent a column of hot ash 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) into the air and spat red-hot rocks up to a kilometer (0.6 miles) from the volcano, the National Disaster Prevention Center reported.

The activity at the 17,886-foot (5,450-meter) volcano, 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of the Mexican capital, posed no danger to nearby towns. Mexico City authorities told residents to avoid breathing in the ashes as they clean up, the AP reports.

Known as Popo, the volcano has been intermittently erupting since December 1994.