hopefulist

I just received this alert from the U.S. Embassy - yikes!

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Guatemala that a volcanic eruption of Pacaya Volcano, 20 miles from Guatemala City, occurred in the evening hours of May 27. Volcanic ash continues to fall, covering much of the surrounding area including, in Guatemala City. La Aurora International airport has ceased all operations due to falling and debris on the runway. International flights are being diverted to San Salvador and domestic flights to Santa Elena Peten. ConRed has issued a code red alert for all residents of the Departments of Guatemala and Escuintla and residents are advised to remain in their homes. Affected travelers are being advised to monitor the news on television or radio for the latest information and updates.

qwovadis

thanks for the heads up,Hopefulist...

guess those hot places that I used to hike

are blown to smithereens...

Hope things blow over soon...

Jeff_Costa_Rica

Thanks for the news, hopefulist. Many people go up there on organized hikes during the evening to better see the spectacle. I hope no one was hurt doing that last night.

hopefulist

I've read of the death of a reporter and some suspected deaths in the villages at the base but nothing concrete. They've evacuated those villages and the airport is still closed. I've pasted an email I just received from a friend in Antigua. She says Antigua wasn't really affected except for the airport closure; they're thinking (likely optimistically) that it will reopen tomorrow.
____________________________

Hola Stacey
Gracias por preocuparse pero es lamentable todo lo que hace la naturaleza pero la verdad eso paso solo en la capital y escuintla pero aqui gracias a Dios nada, este volcan esta lejos de aqui de Antigua pero si hizo gran problema el aeropuerto esta cerrado solo el dia de hoy y mañana van a abrir de nuevo y todo continua normal.

Le agradezco mucho su preocupacion pero estamos bien gracias.
Estamos en contacto.
Olga

volcanogirl

Wow, first Arenal in CR, and now this - lots of volcanic activity lately.

hopefulist

Tim on the Thorntree Forum thinks it may be because BP is plugging the oil leak in the gulf.

RAC

He has to be joking.

hopefulist

Yep.