Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire sparks fresh evacuations

ESCUINTLA, Guatemala — Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire released a flow of burning sediment and rock on Saturday, causing authorities to order new preventive evacuations almost a week after the initial eruption left at least 110 people dead and about 200 missing.

Guatemala’s seismology and volcanology institute said the new lahar — a flow of mud, debris, water and pyroclastic material — was fed by rains and tore down trees as it swept through ravines and gullies.

Later on Saturday, a rise in the Panaleon river caused by the new outflow led authorities to evacuate 72 people from the community of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa.

Official search efforts for the missing were suspended for the third straight day on Saturday amid dangerous conditions. But in places like San Miguel Los Lotes families and volunteers continued the search.

More than 4,000 people remained in shelters after last Sunday’s eruption, where aid has begun arriving.

RODRIGO ABD / ASSOCIATED PRESS A rescue worker comforts Damaris Toma, 24, who lost her 6-yearold daughter Emily in last Sunday’s eruption, in San Miguel Los Lotes, Guatemala, on Saturday.