Volcán del Fuego Eruption Aftermath In Guatemala Leaves Destruction And Death

The death toll continues to rise as rescue workers continue efforts to reach areas that were devastated by the Volcán del Fuego eruption on Sunday.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 6, 2018

El Rodeo, Guatemala - Dozens of bodies have been recovered from the villages and townships near the eruption of the Volcán del Fuego (Fire Volcano). The deadly volcano erupted on Sunday leaving no time for residents near the area to escape. It was the second eruption, since 1974 and the most deadliest, according to authorities.

Scores of families were found deceased in village homes and open spaces as some attempted to escape the deadly volcanic gases and hot asses including dust that claimed dozens of lives including children. Hundreds of surviving victims have sought shelter in areas that escaped the devastation. Preliminary reports indicated that at least 72 have been killed and the dead toll is rising, more than 300 reported injured with severe burns and about 192 people have been reported missing. A state of emergency has been declared in the area by the Guatemalan government.

According to Guatemalan authorities, a deadly mixture of volcanic gases, pumice, ash, and hot lava flow came down from the volcano in speeds up to 430 miles per hour on nearby villages catching people by surprised and no time to escape.

Rescue workers found dead children hugging each other in rooms at village homes still standing, but full of volcanic ash.

The hot lava flow came down the volcano slopes and covered houses as it destroyed properties and everything on its path. Rescue workers are facing a difficult time in the affected area due to hot grounds and ash that melt the soles of their boots and the gases including the mixture of rain and ash turning into acid rain.

CNN reported that at least 17 deceased victims have been identified, according to Guatemala's National Forensic Sciences and that most of the victims were from the city of Hunapu in the State of Escuintla.

More than 3,100 people have been evacuated from the affected area and more than 1.7 million people have been affected in the region, according to CONRED, the Guatemalan disaster relief agency.

The burial rituals and funerals continued on Wednesday as survivors cope with the loss of family members, homes and lands.

Disaster relief is beginning to arrive in Guatemala from neighboring nations.