The number of disappeared by eruption in Guatemala rises to more than 300

CITY OF GUATEMALA.- The number of people who disappeared after the eruption of the Volcano of Fire in Guatemala increased on Wednesday from 197 to 332 .

In a press release, the National Coordinator for Disaster Prevention (CONRED) stated that the number increased "after examining 176 thousand 144 records of different entities and verified lists of people who were they found in shelters "allowed.

Among the institutions with which CONRED has compiled information are the Guatemalan Red Cross, the National Institute of Statistics, the National Register of Persons (19459004), the Office of the Attorney General, electricity, the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Forensic Sciences.

The Volcán de Fuego, located between the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez in the south and center of the country erupted on June 3, leaving 113 dead among those who were identified only at 85.

Several communities disappeared and more than 1.7 million people were affected

However, the organization Antigua al Rescate who collaborated in relief work in the area devastated by the eruption, said in a press conference that the death toll is much higher than that announced by the authorities and brought the number to about 2 000 900. [19659007] According to the organization, this number is the result of own inquiries and interviews to those assigned to shelters, particularly to the inhabitants of San Miguel Los Lotes a community that disappeared after the 39; eruption.

CONRED spokesman David de León said in a text message that he respected comments on the number of missing, but he maintained the figure of 332 as official.

"It is important to know the source or sources that were used to determine the number that they made known." He also asked that the organization is approaching the multi-sectoral recovery table which determines the steps to follow after the eruption, to gather the data.

Four days after the tragedy, the authorities ordered the search of the survivors and must be resumed a few days later, under the pressure of their relatives, but after two weeks, they put an end to the task, then parents are always looking for their loved ones with small tools among thousands of tons of volcanic materials that have crushed homes.

On June 26, CONRED classified as uninhabitable and high-risk at least 178 communities among small hamlets, villages, farms, and settlements surrounding the volcano because activity is maintained and recommended. That the authorities take measures to protect the lives of the inhabitants of the areas at risk.

Currently, more than 3,600 people are housed in temporary shelters built by local authorities and charities.