Country: Guatemala Source: European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations A new volcanic eruption occurred at Santiaguito Volcano, located on the collapsed flank of the larger Santa María Volcano in Quetzaltenango Department, western Guatemala. The eruption produced an ash column and toxic gases, and ejected rocks, pyroclastic material, and pyroclastic flows. As of 21/04, the daily report from the Guatemalan National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) stated that the Santiaguito volcano is experiencing between one to two weak to moderate explosions per hour, accompanied by columns of gas and ash rising to a height of over 800 metres above the crater rim. According to media, several people were forced to evacuate the area around the crater.