All Flights Canceled after Guatemala Volcano Eruption

Thousands of people could face evacuation in Guatemala after its most active volcano - and popular visitor attraction - erupted, shooting plumes of ash and vapor more than two miles into the air and spewing glowing-hot rocks.

The Pacaya volcano, just 24 miles from the tourist town of Antigua and near the capital Guatemala City, erupted early on Sunday, sending an ash plume high into the sky.

Flights to the area have been canceled and an amber alert has been issued, warning the 3,000 people who live nearby to be ready for evacuation.

Pacaya National Park director, Humberto Morales, said: 'We are assessing with the National Disaster Management Centre (Conred) whether we will need to evacuate the 3,000 people who live in the villages of El Rodeo and Patrocinio.

Pacaya is one of Guatemala's most active and picturesque volcanoes and is a popular visitor attraction.

Standing at more than 8,000ft high, it has impressive views of the lagoon of Calderas and three neighboring volcanoes, Agua, Fuego and Acatenango.

It is a popular day trip destination from Antigua, the pretty, colonial former capital of Guatemala, which has become a Mecca for adventure travelers.

Hiking and horseriding tours are normally available so that holidaymakers can visit the main cone of the volcano and see the most recent lava flows. However, the area is currently closed to tourists.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warns: 'Take care if you are near any active volcano. Monitor local media and seek advice from your tour operator in case of possible travel disruption.

'Four of Guatemala’s volcanoes are currently active and the local authorities issue alerts in response to increased volcanic activity.'

The FCO also warns travellers that there is already a state of orange alert in place for Fuego volcano, near Pacaya.

Pacaya last erupted in January, sending lava flowing down one side of the volcano and leading to evacuations.

Source: The Daily Mail