Popocatepetl Volcano Eruption: Mexico City Neighborhoods Covered With Ash, Surgical Masks Worn to Protect Lungs From Dust (PHOTOS)

The Popocatepetl volcano near Mexico City, Mex. is releasing ash and vapor 2 miles high over several days of eruptions, according to reports.

"Mexico's National Center for Disaster Prevention raised the volcano alert from Stage 2 Yellow to Stage 3 Yellow, the final step before a Red alert, when possible evacuations could be ordered," according to the Associated Press. "A Stage 3 Yellow alert had been in effect during eruptions earlier this year until early June, when it was lowered."

On July 6, volcanic dust fell in every direction, coating some neighborhoods on Mexico City's south and east sides with layers of ash. The car washers took to the streets to wipe off the ash last Saturday, and fortunately the coating had not effect on the vehicles.

According to the Associated Press, Claudia Dominguez, spokeswoman for the Mexico City civil defense office, "said the very fine ash had probably been floating around the city from eruptions in previous days and had been brought to Earth by a rainfall late Friday. "

Dominguez added no new ash has been reported since the cleanup last Saturday.

However, inhabitants closer to the volcano in San Pedro Nexapa had to deal with much thicker accumulations that have coated their crops, homes and sidewalks. Some residents wore surgical masks to protect themselves from the dust raised by passing vehicles, the Associated Press reports.

"The ash affects us a lot, because we get our water from the snow melt from Popocatepetl, and right now we can't use the water for bathing, for cooking, we can't even give it to our animals," Agustina Perez Gutierrez, a housewife in San Pedro Nexapa, told the Associated Press. "The children get sore throats from the ash, and it affects the few vegetables and corn crops we are able to plant."

Officials have recommend that people sweep up ash off the sidewalks, and place the piles into plastic bags. When the volcanic dust mixes with water, it form a concrete-like solid that can potentially block drains.