Guatemala volcano eruption: Devastating pictures as death toll rises
GUATEMALA has seen one of its most violent volcano eruptions in decades as Fuego volcano erupts. See pictures of the eruption and devastating aftermath as 25 people are killed and thousands more are injured and evacuated.
Fuego volcano, nine miles west of Antigua Guatemala, erupted over the weekend sending devastating lava and ash clouds over the local communities.
The eruption on June 3 was the second of the year and most powerful eruption since 1974. It has so far claimed the lives of 25 people according to the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred).
Lava rivers descend on the town of El Rodeo in Escuintla, 35 km south of Guatemala City, catching people unawares and killing them in their homes.
Over 3,000 resistants have been evacuated and are now gathered in temporary shelter in fear of further eruptions.
National Disaster Relief Agency spokesman David de Leon told reporters that bodies had also been discovered in the farming community of San Miguel Los Lotes. Rescuers struggled to to reach the residents who were cut off by hot lava flow.
As the ash cloud fell on Guatemala City, the La Aurora International Airport was forced to close. Soldiers have been enlisted to clear the runway with the intention of opening again at 2.15pm local time.
Pictures from the National Disaster Relief Agency of Guatemala show ash clouds pluming from Fuego volcano and the devastating aftermath of the Guatemalan volcano.
Getty•EPA