Guatemala volcano eruption prompts evacuations
A volcano has erupted in southern Guatemala closing the capital’s international airport and forcing the evacuation of at least 100 residents from their homes.
Guatemala’s national disaster agency said the Fuego Volcano located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of the capital, Guatemala City, erupted on Saturday.
The agency added that the volcano blasted smoke and ashes “to an altitude reaching 5,500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level.”
Officials issued instructions urging residents near the volcano to take shelter and wear masks or wet clothes to protect themselves against breathing contaminants. In addition, residents were advised to cover water tanks and be aware of evacuation routes.
Following the eruption, the international airport in the capital was closed, with reports saying operations were expected to resume later on Sunday.
The Fuego Volcano stands 3,763 meters (12,343 feet) above sea level and is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, according to the Smithsonian Institute’s Global Volcanism Program.
In September 2012, Guatemalan authorities evacuated thousands of residents from the area after Fuego began blasting large volumes of lava and ashes.
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