Guatemala: At least 25 killed, 300 injured after eruption of Fuego volcano

Guatemala, June 4: In Guatemala, at least 25 people were killed and 300 injured after an eruption of Fuego volcano in El Rodeo village near capital Guatemala City. Authorities feared the toll could rise as many people were missing after the sudden eruption.

 

The National Disaster Management Agency said the volcano has been spewing rocks, black smoke and ash into the sky. It said a river of lava hit the village destroying houses and burning people inside.

It said the dead were so far all concentrated in three towns- El Rodeo, Alotenango and San Miguel los Lotes.

Government authorities said a total of about 1.7 million people have been affected by the eruption. Guatemala's President Jimmy Morales declared three days of national mourning. Survivors described the horror and destruction during the eruption.

According to local media, the volcano, located just 20 miles southwest of the capital, Guatemala City, shot steam five miles into the sky and thick black smoke and ash blanketed the area around the capital.

But it warned there could be new eruptions, and residents in the surrounding areas should be on alert to lahars and mudslides containing volcanic material. Volcanic ash had spread in a 12-mile radius around the volcano and winds could carry the cloud even farther, officials said.

Israel has sent an immediate emergency aid to Guatemala, including medicine & food, following the lethal Fuego volcanic eruption.