health
Guatemala volcano eruption prompts evacuation of hundreds of people
Eruption of the Fuego volcano sends lava and ash nearly four miles into the sky as country declares second-highest alert
TL;DR
- Hundreds of people evacuated their homes due to a major eruption of Guatemala's Fuego volcano.
- The eruption spewed lava and ash plumes six kilometers into the sky.
- Authorities issued the country's second-most severe alert warning.
- Villagers self-evacuated due to fear, with firefighters transporting at least 350 residents from two villages.
- Evacuees are being sheltered in community halls and other nearby towns.
- The Institute of Volcanology warned of hot volcanic debris flows, with communities on western and southern flanks at greatest risk.
- Face-to-face classes were suspended in communities near the volcano, and a road encircling the mountain range was closed.
- Guatemala lies on the Pacific 'ring of fire' and experiences frequent volcanic activity, with several mass evacuations in recent years.