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Guatemala City’s airport re-opens following volcanic erruption

Guatemala City’s international La Aurora airport re-opened yesterday after ash spewing from the nearby Fuego volcano forced closure on Sunday.

Airport authorities re-opened the airport at 8.30am local time on Monday but flights are operating at airlines’ discretion, according to updated Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice.

“If you are due to fly to or from Guatemala City in the coming days you should check with your airline before you travel to the airport,” the FCO said.

“Visitors and residents should exercise extra caution in areas to the south-east, south-west and due south of the volcano.

“There will be an increased risk of fast-moving debris flows in the coming days, particularly following heavy rain.”

The official death toll from the destruction at the Fuego volcano has risen to 69, according to authorities in the central American country.

Soldiers are helping firefighters search for missing people after Sunday’s volcanic eruption, when superheated rock, ash and mud destroyed villages.

Thousands of people are being housed in temporary shelters.

Volcanologists report the eruption, which sent ash up to 33,000ft into the sky, is over for the moment.

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