MEXICO CITY -- The Popocatepetl volcano has spewed ash over several cities in the central Mexico state of Puebla, including the state capital.

Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center says there was an eight-hour period of eruptions at the volcano, located east of Mexico City.

Prevailing winds carried the material southeast, away from Mexico City.

The centre said ash falls had been reported Wednesday in the city of Puebla, which is capital of the state of the same name.

The 5,450-metre volcano periodically emits ash, vapour and sometimes glowing rock.