Volcano eruption in Guatemala kills three, another eruption is expected
May 28th, 2010 - 11:33 pm ICT by BNO NewsGUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA (BNO NEWS) — The Pacaya Volcano is emanating ash and smoke columns of up to 250 meters height as it continues in activity, which could generate another violent eruption, the Guatemalan Geologic Service said on Friday.
On Thursday nighth, Guatemala President Alvaro Colom declared ’state of calamity’ following the eruption near Guatemala City.
According to the latest numbers from emergency services, three people have died and at least three more are missing after the eruption. At least 20 people were injured as volcanic debris fell on villages.
Noti7 TV said one of its reporters, Anibal Archilla, was hit on the head by rocks and was one of the killed.
The Pacaya volcano began to erupt just after 7:00 p.m. local time on Thursday. So far, 2,000 people have been evacuated from the nearby areas. Local authorities urged citizens to remove the ash and debris from houses and streets to avoid flooding due to a possible blockage in the sewers.
The eruption covered Guatemala City with ash, prompting local officials to close the La Aurora international airport until further notice.
“Due to the presence of volcanic ash after the eruption of the Pacaya volcano, Civil Aviation is recommending to cancel all air operations at La Aurora International Airport,” said a special bulletin from the Guatemalan Geology Institute.
Civil Aviation spokeswoman Monica Monje said the airport closed since the beginning of ashfall. Only the Tikal El Peten Airport is open and any Guatemala-bound flight will be diverted to El Salvador, Monje added.
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Tags: air operations, alvaro colom, ash and smoke, ashfall, bno, civil aviation, geology institute, guatemala city guatemala, la aurora, local authorities, monje, nearby areas, pacaya volcano, peten, smoke columns, tikal, violent eruption, volcanic ash, volcanic debris, volcano eruption