Guatemala

We have been permitted to see the work up-close but with a strong warnings that we can only be there for five-minute periods and to be aware of the ubiquitous risk of another outbreak. This kind of scene is repeating throughout the entire area, where up to 200 persons are still lacking.

Thousands are in makeshift accommodations in cities or in the most devastated of outbreaks. A coordinator of the Guatemalan emergency services Conred informs me about the victims from a small town, San Miguel Los Lotes. Ovalle told me that nine persons are killed, 18 are unaccounted for and 620 are in shelter.

"He said all the folks around here are afraid of the volcano." "Euption is not natural; usually the volcanic activity and flows come from the other side." Beside a crypt for the deceased, where candle lighting and embassies were made, two dozens of small kids sit and watch two actors play a tale from a film.

However, nobody seems to want to move out of the area despite the dangers. The Guatemalans are friendly souls.