June 4 (UPI) — Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales declared a national emergency after a volcano erupted in the country on Sunday, killing at least six and injuring several more.
Guatemala’s Fuego volcano, located about 25 miles from the country’s capital, Guatemala City, sent a stream of hot lava and ash into nearby villages. At least two children were burned to death, according to Fox News.
Videos posted to social media show entire areas covered in volcanic ash.
Strong winds after the eruption were blamed for blowing the ash as far as Guatemala City, affecting more than 1 million people.
On Sunday evening, the Guatemalan corps of army engineers said it was plowing volcanic ash off of runways at the airport in the capital city.
“All of our solidarity and support to President Jimmy Morales and the Guatemalan people for the loss of human life after the eruption of Fuego Volcano,” tweeted Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
Peña added that his country has offered assistance to deal with the catastrophic event.
