Santiaguito volcano eruption spreads ash across western Guatemala

Volcano spreads ash across western Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY — An eruption at Guatemala’s Santiaguito volcano has sent a plume of ash 27,300 feet (8,300 meters) above sea level, dusting parts of at least four provinces.

Disaster response agency spokesman David De Leon says the volcano has calmed since Monday’s big burst — though it is still seeing weak to moderate explosions.

De Leon says the eruption damaged local flower harvests, but caused no injuries. The agency says schools were closed in 10 communities as a precaution and flights have been banned for 12 miles (20 kilometers) around the volcano.

Santiaguito is a crater on the slope of the 12,375-foot (3,772-meter) Santa Maria volcano about 120 miles (200 kilometers) northwest of Guatemala City.