Among the devastating effects of Volcán de Fuego’s eruption is the destruction of thousands of tonnes of coffee – vital to the economy
The eruption of Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego has caused record-breaking damage. The volcano, which is in the southwest of the country, suddenly began to erupt on 3rd June, sending pyroclastic flows (huge clouds of gas and volcanic matter), mud flows and falling ash across a wide area. The event has affected over a million people, with the loss of more than a hundred lives. Hundreds are still missing.
Coffee production, one of Guatemala’s most important industries, has also suffered. In the nearby Alotenango region alone, around 20% of the coffee-producing land has been affected, with an estimated 4,600 tonnes of coffee lost – and the effects have been seen far beyond the immediate vicinity. Farms and plantations such as San Sebastian and El Tempisque, suppliers to London roastery Alchemy and green bean supplier DR Wakefield, are among those that have fallen victim to this natural disaster.
This story is from the Issue 34 edition of Caffeine.
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This story is from the Issue 34 edition of Caffeine.
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