Tens of thousands of people are evacuated in Guatemala after the Fuego volcano eruption, which specialists estimate to be the most powerful since 1999, local media reported.
The authorities of Guatemala announced the highest “red” level of alert on Thursday as Fuego began spewing ash as high as 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in the air and outpouring lava that covered an area of seven square kilometers on the southern slopes of the volcano.
According to various local media sources, between 10,000 and 33,000 people were evacuated from residential areas near the Fuego, which is located just 50 km (31 miles) from the Guatemala City.
The authorities recommended air traffic controllers to reroute or suspend flights in the vicinity of the Fuego in case the altitude of discharged ash reaches 1,500 meters (almost 5,000 feet).
