Lava From Guatemala's Pacaya Volcano Threatens Towns

EL PATROCINIO, GUATEMALA - Residents of small communities living around Guatemala's Pacaya volcano wake each day wondering if the lava will reach their homes.

A lava flow descending the volcano has advanced between El Patrocinio and San José el Rodeo. In the case of the latter, the lava has advanced to within two and a half blocks of the outermost homes. Emma Quezada, a 38-year-old homemaker in one of those houses, has lived there her entire life and said she's used to the volcanic activity. Still, this time she's afraid. "These last three days the lava stopped; we hope it stays there," Quezada said.