Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupts and forces evacuations

Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted on Monday, forcing authorities to evacuate more than 300 people from nearby communities. The eruption started in the morning and grew stronger during the day. Lava, ash, and hot gas rose about four kilometres into the sky. The volcano sits roughly 40 kilometres southwest of Guatemala City. Officials closed National Route 14, a main road near the volcano, and schools in the area suspended classes. Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America and lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire. It stands nearly 3,800 metres tall. A major eruption in June 2018 killed around 200 people and destroyed a whole village. The volcano has also erupted several times in recent years.