Guatemala Volcano Erupts, Killing 25 and Spewing Ash on Capital
by Richard D’Ambrosio
Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted over the weekend, killing at least 25 people and forcing evacuations of towns and villages around the mountain, about 20 miles southwest of Guatemala City.
Ash sent six miles into the air fell all around the country’s capital, temporarily closing La Aurora Airport on Sunday, impacting flights to the U.S. The Guatemalan army shared images of members clearing the runway with push brooms.
Flights resumed on Monday, though airlines are recovering from cancellations and delays Sunday.
Meanwhile, lava and ash near the base of the volcano was preventing emergency services from reaching some of the impacted zones.
Guatemala’s National Disaster Management Agency (Conred), said the town of El Rodeo had been "buried" and that rescuers are still trying to reach a number of other villages nearby. The death toll is expected to rise.
Located near the city of Antigua, Fuego is one of Central America's most active volcanoes, erupting in February. Social media posts from Guatemalan residents showed lava flows impacting roadways and bridges near the volcano.