25 dead as Guatemala volcano erupts and river of lava leaves charred bodies in its wake
Hundreds are injured after the eruption of the Fuego volcano forced thousands to flee
Emergency workers resumed the search on Monday for Guatemalans missing after the eruption of the Fuego volcano, which belched out clouds of ash and flows of lava and left at least 25 people dead.
The volcano expelled hot muddy material that caused the deaths, which included several children, in communities located on its southern slope, disaster agency spokesman David de Leon said.
Search and rescue operations had suspended due to low light and dangerous conditions, but were resumed early on Monday morning.
The Institute of Volcanology said the eruption ended after over 16 hours of activity, but warned that it could resume again and recommended precautionary measures be maintained.
The eruption of the 3,763-metre (12,346-foot) volcano sent ash billowing over the surrounding area, turning plants and trees grey and blanketing streets, cars and people.
Farmers covered in ash fled for their lives as civil defence workers tried to relocate them to shelters during the event.
“This time we were saved; in another [eruption] no,” said Efrain Gonzalez, 52, sitting on the floor of a shelter in the city of Escuintla, where he arrived with his wife and one-year-old daughter after fleeing the hard-hit El Rodeo community.