Ash from Guatemala volcanoes prompts flight warning

Washington: Ash clouds from two active volcanoes in Guatemala prompted local air travel warnings Friday.

The country`s National Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology warned of columns of ash from the Fuego volcano in the south of the country rising up to 4,500 meters (14,700 feet) above sea level.

The Santa Maria volcano in southwestern Santiaguito ejected ash about 500 meters above the crater, the institute said.

The organization cautioned air craft from flying in the vicinity of the ash-spewing volcanoes. 

Fuego and Santa Maria are two of several active volcanoes in the country.

Activity from the Fuego volcano in 2012 prompted authorities to evacuate thousands of people from its slopes.