Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano, whose eruptions earlier this week forced the evacuation of some 40,000 people, is probably using two days of calm to build up to a fresh round of blasts, officials said on Thursday.

``We're in a phase where the volcano is rebuilding energy and that it will certainly release either (Friday or Saturday),'' Roberto Quaas, director of Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center (Cenapred), told the Televisa network.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world...l-mexico-.html

Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center said the volcano could soon end days of apparent calm with new explosions of molten rock.

``At this time it is in a period of calm and rest as it recharges its energy,'' said Enrique Guevara, who monitors the volcanic activity of the 17,884-foot volcano.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/scien...co-volcan.html

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 12-22-2000).]