Popocatepetl Volcano Eruption In Mexico Captured In Footage Filmed From Above (VIDEO)

The Popocatepetl volcano in Mexico continued to spew a plume of ash more than a mile high in a number of recent eruptions. Several videos filmed from above show the Popocatepetl volcano erupting as columns of smoke billow out of the crater.

In a statement Thursday, Mexico's National Center for Disaster Prevention reported 39 exhalations of "low to moderate magnitude" in the last 24 hours, El Universal reports. On Saturday, the disaster prevention center had raised the alert level from yellow phase two to yellow phase three -- the third highest warning on the seven-stage scale.

Popocatepetl was dormant for nearly 50 years until it became active in 1994. While the volcano has spewed amounts of ash regularly over the last decade, the most recent bout of increased seismic activity has authorities concerned for the safety of residents in nearby towns.

Located about 50 miles southeast of Mexico City, the volcano has not rained down ash on the country's capital, though some towns and neighborhoods south of the city have seen some volcanic debris.

The recent series of eruptions forced U.S. airlines to cancel flights to and from nearby airports in Mexico City and Toluca last week.