Guatemala's Fuego volcanic eruption spews ash 23,000 feet high [photo]

The Feugo volcano in Guatemala erupted on Sunday, sending thick ash as much as seven kilometres high into the sky.

Loud explosions were heard following the eruption and the new lava flowed to the areas surrounding the volcano. However, the mainland was not greatly affected. The authorities did not give any evacuation order after the volcanic eruption, but officials have asked the nearby communities to stay alert and aware of the situation.

Guatemala's Volcanological Institute has, on the other hand, asked aviation authorities to ensure that aircrafts maintain their distance from the clouds of ash. According to the institute, the volcanic eruption resulted in “constant sounds similar to a train locomotive and strong explosions” that rattled roofs and windows 30 kilometers away, the Associated Press reported.

The volcano stands around 12,300 feet above sea level in South Central Guatemala, 30 miles southwest of the capital, Guatemala City. According to AP, the particulate matter from the volcano's ash has settled over around eight towns in its vicinity.

David de Leon, a spokesman for the country’s disaster response agency, said that ash from the volcano spread to dozens of kilometres to the south and west. The Tico Times reports that light temblors were also felt in the nearby villages.

Fuego experienced a massive eruption back in Sept. 2012 wherein thousands of people were immediately evacuated from the region. The next eruption took place in Feb. 2015, after which the city's airport was completely shut down. The situation warranted an immediate evacuation of about 100 residents living around the volcano.