Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted on Sunday, leaving at least 7 people dead and 20 injured, as Guatemalan officials warned of continued volcanic activity.
More than 3,100 people have been evacuated from their homes while search and rescue efforts continue into the night, Cabañas said.
So far, 15 been have been hospitalized, including 12 children, some of whom suffered severe burns, the Minister of Health said.
The volcano, whose name means fire, is one of Central America’s most active. It is located near the colonial city of Antigua. Sunday’s explosion rained soot over the popular tourist destination and other villages in the Sacatepéquez department, covering them in ash.
Villages south of the volcano in the Escuintla department were affected, too, Cabañas said. Lesser amounts of ash reached the capital of Guatemala City some 25 miles away, forcing the closure of its international airport. The Guatemalan Army shared images of officers clearing the runway with push brooms.
Explosions are still coming from the volcano, said Eddy Sánchez, director of the National Institute for Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology of Guatemala known as INSIVUMEH.
He warned of mudslides as rainfall continues, and urged people to stay off roads close to the volcano.
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto expressed condolences and offered assistance.
„All our solidarity and support to the President Jimmy Morales and the Guatemalan people for the loss of human life after the eruption of the volcano of Fire.“
