On Sunday, the Fuego Volcano in Guatemala erupted, expelling 8 kilometers of lava and a thick column of black smoke and ash that rained down on the capital of the country and other regions. Greenhouses in the area have been covered by a layer ash.
So far, the international press report 69 fatalities, a number expected to rise further. More than 3,100 people are being evacuated and the president, Jimmy Morales, declared a state of emergency in the regions of Chimaltenango, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez.
The photo above shows the greenhouse of a Dümmen Orange grower in Guatemala. Although no actual damage is reported to the floriculture industry, more greenhouses in the area are covered in ash, causing troubles with ventilation, irradiation and even saturated drainage systems.
Edilson Hernandez, of vegetable exporter Prime Tropics updated us yesterday. "The eruption of the Fuego Volcano is very strong. We are in the south of the country, so, for the moment, we have not been affected by it. However, many other regions of the country have been affected. The flights are suspended because the airport remains closed."
National press announced this morning that the airport La Aurora has reopened, which means national and international flights start to operate normally.
If you want to send us updated information about the situation, send an e-mail to kelly@freshplaza.es.