The eruption occurred at 20:31 pm local (01:31 GMT) and reached a height of 2,000 metres (6,562 feet), according to a report by Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Centre.

The incandescent rocks reached a distance of 3,500 metres (11,482 feet) and authorities are warning that ash could fall in nearby communities.

Also called "Don Goyo," the volcano has registered 40 exhalations over the last 24 hours, according to the report.

Authorities confirmed that a large dome of lava formed on January has been destroyed during recent explosions. The Popocatepetl volcano lies just 50 miles (80 kilometres) southeast of Mexico City, and is one of the country's most active volcanoes.

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