WORLD
Guatemala Fuego volcano eruption triggers evacuation
Baku, September 14 (AZERTAC). Guatemala has evacuated thousands of people after the Fuego volcano started spewing ash and lava.
Volcanologists said powerful eruptions were catapulting burning rocks as high as 1,000m (3,280ft) above the crater and lava was flowing down its slopes.
Local residents reported how the roaring of the volcano shook windows and roofs in nearby villages.
Experts say the eruption of the Fuego, 50km (31 miles) south-west of Guatemala City, is the biggest since 1999.
Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina said the eruption could affect people as far away as the capital.
"We will do the best we can to avoid people being harmed," he said.
Cars, lorries and buses covered in grey ash could be seen speeding away from the area towards Guatemala City.
Some of those who fled their homes headed for an emergency shelter at a school in the town of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa.
Officials said lava was covering a 7km (4.3-mile) area on the south and south-western side of the Fuego.
The authorities recommended that air traffic controllers suspend flights in the vicinity of the volcano, as the ash cloud emanating from its crater was spreading quickly.
The 3,760m-tall (12,336ft) Fuego is one of Central America`s most active volcanoes.