The active Fuego volcano near Guatemala City has been spewing lava and sending ash raining down on towns in its vicinity

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano has erupted in dramatic fashion, sending columns of ash 7km (4m) into the sky.

No evacuations were ordered due to Sunday night’s volcanic activity. But officials asked nearby communities to remain vigilant and Guatemala’s Volcanological Institute has advised aviation authorities to ensure flights do not come into contact with the ash cloud.

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The institute said the mountain, whose name translates to Volcano of Fire, produced “constant sounds similar to a train locomotive and strong explosions” that rattled roofs and windows 30km away.

National disaster response spokesman David de Leon said on Monday that particulate matter was falling in at least eight nearby towns.

The eruption, which began last week and has intensified over recent days, created some striking images.

The volcano, which lies about 50km southwest of Guatemala city, stands some 12,300 feet above sea level in south-central Guatemala. It erupted 13 times last year.

In February 2015, the volcano experienced a powerful eruption that prompted the closure of the capital’s airport.

Associated Press contributed to this report