Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Fresh lava flows from Guatemala's Mount Fuego as death toll rises to 110

Thousands remain in shelters as authorities order further evacuations

Sunday 10 June 2018 11:02 BST
Comments
A survivor who is looking for her daughter is comforted by a volunteer after the eruption of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala on June 9 2018.
A survivor who is looking for her daughter is comforted by a volunteer after the eruption of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala on June 9 2018. (REUTERS/Carlos Jasso)

Guatemala's Volcano of Fire released a flow of burning sediment and rock, causing authorities to order new preventative evacuations almost a week after the initial eruption left at least 110 people dead and about 200 missing.

Guatemala's seismology and vulcanology institute said the new lahar — a flow of mud, debris, water and pyroclastic material — was fed by rains and tore down trees as it swept through ravines and gullies.

A rise in the Panaleon river had earlier caused by the new outflow led authorities to evacuate 72 people from the community of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa.

Institute director Eddy Sanchez said the risks from the Volcano of Fire are not over, even though its activity has been decreasing.

He said the last time it erupted it took two and a half weeks for the volcano to return to normal.

Official search efforts for the missing were suspended for the third straight day on Saturday amid dangerous conditions. But in places like San Miguel Los Lotes, families and volunteers continued the search.

More than 4,000 people remained in shelters after last weeks eruption, where aid has begun arriving along with complaints about how it is being distributed.

Authorities in the Central American country have already launched an investigation into the official response to the crises.

In Guatemala City, meanwhile, about 1,000 people blew whistles and carried torches and banners in a protest against the official handling of the tragedy.

Associated Press

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in