One of central America’s most active volcano erupts, ash 2kms into sky

One of the most active volcanoes in Central America erupted over the weekend, spewing lava and ash. The volcano named Fuego erupted forcing Guatemalan authorities to briefly close the country’s largest airport before activity eased on Sunday.

The Fuego volcano whose name means fire rumbled into activity overnight Saturday into Sunday, with molten rock oozing down its slopes and ash belching two kilometers into the sky.

Guatemala’s La Aurora international airport was temporarily closed at mid-morning, the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics said, citing the presence of ash near the runway.

At least two incoming flights had to be diverted before the airport reopened around midday after winds changed direction and sent ash away from the facility.

The volcano sits about 16 kilometers from Antigua, the country’s former capital and biggest tourist attraction.

Volcano Fuego (Fire), which is located just 45 km from the capital of Guatemala, stopped just smoking and began an eruption.

Fuego erupts every four to five years on average. In 2018, an eruption sent rivers of lava pouring down its sides, devastating the village of San Miguel Los Lotes, killing 215 people and leaving many missing.

Authorities said they were monitoring the latest eruption closely, but that no one had been evacuated.