Lightning flashes over Guatemala's Pacaya volcano

Lightning bolts were observed on Sunday striking above the Pacaya volcano in Guatemala.

The reaction was produced by the contact of volcanic matter with the atmosphere, creating a spectacular, but not very recurrent event, as explained by Deputy director of the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) Francisco Juarez.

The volcano has been monitored 24/7 since the beginning of February, and there have been variations in the parameters of evolution.

Now, there is a column of ash 2 kilometres high that had not been seen before.

The nearest community is about 3 kilometres away.

Juaréz said the ash could damage crops, as it's corrosive and people must not treat it as if it were dust or sand.

It could also affect air traffic.

There is a constant flow of lava at the Pacaya volcano.

Authorities warn that activity continues at high levels and are not ruling out further increases.

In February, President Alejandro Giammattei ordered the municipality to close the park to avoid accidents.