Search and rescue operations were still ongoing in Guatemala on Monday after 69 people were killed when the Fuego volcano erupted. Some 300 people were also injured in the volcano’s most violent eruption in over four decades.
Volcan de Fuego, whose name means “Volcano of Fire”, spewed an 8-kilometre stream of rocks, ashes and hot gas on Sunday that rained onto the capital and other regions.
The deadly river spilt into El Rodeo village, destroying houses and burning people inside, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (Conred).
The volcano, which lies about 27 miles from Guatemala City, erupted just before midday local time on Sunday and lava attacked villages and roads by 4pm.The army have said they have evacuated more than 3,000 people from around the volcano and pictures have emerged of soldiers carrying children covered in ash from their homes.
The Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales has declared a state of emergency in the states of Chimaltenango, Sacatepequez and Escuintla.
