The volcano spewed a river of lava and sent plumes of smoke, along with gas and ash billowing almost 6 miles into the air. Fast moving volcanic flows rolled into villages, killing people inside their homes. The town of El Rodeo is said to have been "buried".

According to the Guatemalan Embassy in Belize, as many as 1.7 million people have been affected, while 3271 persons have been evacuated and treated, and 1,916 have been placed in shelters.

Now, if you want to somehow help our suffering neighbors, you'll have to wait just a while. The Embassy says, quote, "we respect the administrative and legal procedures that must be fulfilled prior to receiving any kind of aid. We are waiting for what the authorities of the (emergency response agency) stipulate to initiate the procedures for an international appeal, and to determine the list of specific items that may be necessary…(Guatemala) thank the many expression of solidarity, condolences and support shows by Belize, its Government, the BDF, the Belmopan City Council among others who have manifested their empathy…"

The PUP is one of those who have reached out. The party says "At a time like this, we must put our differences aside and let our humanity rule. On Sunday, it was Guatemala. Today or tomorrow it can be us or any other country that is susceptible to natural disasters."