Every morning, residents of small communities living around Guatemala’s Pacaya volcano wake up wondering if the lava will reach their homes.
A slow stream descending the volcano advanced between El Patrocinio and San José el Rodeo. In the latter case, the lava advanced to two and a half blocks from the outer houses.
Emma Quezada, a 38-year-old housewife, lived in one of those houses all her life and said she was used to volcanic activity. However, this time he was afraid.
“In the last three days the lava has stopped; we hope he stays there, “Quezada said.
Local authorities talked to residents about moving the community to another location about 100 kilometers away, but without the space they now have, she said.
“It’s like walking from here to a small piece of land!” she said. “Maybe we don’t have much here, but we live in a blessed peace, we don’t face any other danger, not even thieves … The options they offer you don’t compare to what we have here.”
Pacaya Volcano rises to 2552 meters between the departments of Guatemala and Escuintla, south of the capital. It is a popular tourist destination and is surrounded by 21 communities.
In early February, a precipice opened in one of the flanks of the volcano and lava began to flow, which now extends at least 5 km. Meanwhile, ash and gas were flowing from its crater.
Even if the lava does not reach their homes, the ash has damaged their corn crops and the pastures that the cows graze.
El Rodeo is home to 57 families, about 350 people, said Juventino Pineda, chairman of the Community Council for Urban and Rural Development.
Pineda, 67, can remember various eruptions during his lifetime. “One of the worst was 1962. I was a child and the lava came out of a crack in the volcano – this time it was 20 km of lava,” he said.
This time, Pineda said, “we believe that at least 50% of the houses in the community will be destroyed due to the lava path.” There is an evacuation plan if the situation worsens.
“At night, when the volcano erupts, everything turns red, everything shines. It seems to be a day “, said Pineda.
As you approach the lava you can feel the increase in ambient temperature. There is a slight smell of sulfur and you can hear a crack.
“It is important to know that we need help. Maybe someone can help us internationally “, said Pineda.