Volcanic ash in Guatemala shuts airport
Friday, 28 May 2010 20:50Guatemala's Pacaya volcano has spewed volcanic ash killing at least one and forcing the Guatemala's airport to close.
Hundreds of families have had to evacuate.
The volcano is located 25 miles south of Guatemala City but caused thick ash and small rocks to rain on the capital.
Lava has coated the streets in a layer of gritty black sand. Shop owners and residents hosed down their driveways and shovelled heaps of ash and rubble off rooftops and sidewalks.
All flights out of Guatemala City were cancelled due to the volcanic sand on the runways.
Director of civil aviation Felipe Castaneda has said 'We are worried about two situations: the ash on the runway and the particles in the air.'
Volcanologists have said the volcano was its strongest blast in more than a decade and activity could continue over the next few days.
Guatemala City's La Aurora international airport as a thick layer of sand covering the runways made takeoffs and landings hazardous.
Airport staff worked to clear runways and officials would decide today if the airport can be reopened.
