DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: In Guatemala, a volcanic eruption has forced hundreds of villagers out of their homes. The volcano, just south of Guatemala City, began spewing lava and ash thousands of feet into the air yesterday. Journalist Martin Asturias was on the scene.</s>MARTIN ASTURIAS, JOURNALIST (voice-over): The people of Guatemala were treated to a spectacular sight when the Pacaya Volcano, located about 25 miles from Guatemala City, erupted with incredible force. The eruption lasted over two and a half hours, sending lava and ashes to a height of over 6,500 feet. The cloud of ashes reached the coastal city Asvinta (ph), all the way down to the Pacific coast. The government of Guatemala declared a red state of emergency, evacuating over 2,000 people.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We are evacuating because we suspect there could be more danger later.</s>ASTURIAS: The international airport was shut down to all incoming and outgoing traffic. The newly elected president, Alfonso Portillo, assumed charge of the situation, ordering the army, firemen and all emergency personnel to assist the people living in the surrounding area of the volcano.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): As you can see, the volcano is spewing large amounts of lava. This is worse than years past, and we have to help evacuate as many people as possible. This is Martin Asturias for CNN, in Guatemala.</s>KAGAN: Those pictures are so spectacular, but I bet if you see it in person, you can really appreciate how high that lava is spewing in the air.</s>LEON HARRIS, ANCHOR: You know what I wonder? What does it sound like, you know?
Volcanic Eruption in Guatemala Forces Hundreds to Evacuate Homes